It’s often said that repetition is the best teacher.  If that’s the case, I’ve definitely been taught this week.  From conversations with Tina to things I’ve read to multiple messages and devotionals I’ve listened to, Professor Repetition has been at work.  It has been a great reminder to me, and I hope it will be a blessing to you as well.  In all the different ways it was communicated, it basically came down to this thought: gratitude.  Focusing on gratitude, making gratitude a priority, expressing gratitude, and even the dangers found in a lack of gratitude.  Of course, other words such as “praise,” “thankfulness,” and “appreciation” were used, but they all got the same point across.  Living every day with gratitude makes a difference.  A big difference.  Yes, at times (pretty much all the time) we are surrounded by circumstances, people, or problems that cry out for our complete attention and seek to demoralize our attitude.  Yet, it’s true; gratitude, although it may not make those things disappear, keeps us from being overwhelmed by them.  Especially if that gratitude is focused on the One, as the old hymn says, “from Whom all blessings flow.”  No doubt, there is much about which to complain, but there’s so much more about which to praise!  The decision is ours.  And praise is always, always, always the better option.  You see, the Psalmist was right when he wrote, “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely” (Psalm 147:1).  So, if you’re down in the dumps today, why not take a look at Psalm 42:11 as well?  “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”  Sing some praise today; pray some praise today; share some praise with someone else.  Do that, and I think you’ll understand what Professor Repetition was trying to teach me this week.