Years ago there was a popular song with a catchy tune called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Its bright melody and simple message could almost convince you that brushing all your worries under a rug and forcing a smile could fill you with happiness.

But true happiness doesn’t work like that. Instead, it’s bundled up with gratitude.

Gratitude is always a response. Gratitude depends not on ignoring what’s going on in our lives, but in choosing to see and accept the deepest reality about our existence. Jesus’ encounter with the woman “who lived a sinful life” demonstrates this beautifully. You see, the Pharisee had swept all of his sins under the rug of self-righteousness and self-sufficiency. He chose to ignore the truth of his brokenness and his deep need for forgiveness. His ingratitude produced a toxic bitterness that caused him to completely miss the fact that the Savior of the world and of his soul was standing right in front of him.

The woman didn’t miss that. There could be no sweeping of sins under the rug for her. Everyone seemed to know about them anyway. So, acknowledging her brokenness and receiving the forgiveness Jesus offers, her heart and her hands poured out her gratitude.

What’s under your rug? What’s under mine? Let’s bring it out, acknowledge it, and accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers.