Praise the Lord!

We hear it in a Sunday song, we see it on the TBN network, maybe we say it ourselves sometimes, hopefully often. But last night took my breath away. I was stunned!
 
My grandson Logan received an award (as did just about all the grade school kids), but he was thrilled that he was getting one. It was for good character exhibited in class and at school. Others got perfect attendance, etc. I got there just as he got his award, and he was smiling from ear to ear. Afterward, he pulled me aside and said "Papa when I got it I said Praise The Lord". Wow, it made me feel awesome that he chose those words over any variety of others he could have said.
 
Made me think what influence we have on those around us by the way we conduct ourselves, by what we believe in and how we invest ourselves in others rather than letting the world revolve around us. As a grandparent my influence on Logan is mostly encouragement and playful, leaving most of the discipline to his Mom. But, every time we get the chance he comes to Campus with me and those beautiful folks in our children's ministry have an incredible influence on his demeanor. He sings, he is an encourager himself, and he remembers what he heard. I am sure they uttered that phrase many times in children's worship......Praise The Lord!
 
As for me, those words come out of my mouth almost automatically when he blesses me, and occassionally when I am under duress. That's right I accept both the good and some of the bad moments of life, knowing he is with me, but it is just more difficult to have a great attitude when you are under fire. There are great days and moments we would soon like to forget, but in every moment the heart of God beats within us through his Holy Spirit. I would bet that God wants to reward us for our faith whether we are Pre-K or Pre-historic-K!
 
More importantly, think of how great our attitude would be if we could utter those words no matter what our circumstances? Takes some practice, as I am still a work in progress, but hearing my grandson say it just accelerated my learning process.
 
Take a moment now, or at any time and say those those 3 beautiful words because He is really the one who deserves an award!
 
Praise The Lord..........