Do we truly stumble so blind that we must be affronted with blinding magnificence for our blurry soul-sight to recognize grandeur?So says Ann Voskamp in her book One Thousand Gifts. Do we save our thanks and praise for moments of magnificence and grandeur? Does it take a mountain top experience to see God? Isn't the God who made Niagara Falls, the Swiss Alps, and the Grand Canyon the same one who made the geraniums by your front door, the sunrise over the 7-11, and the cool of the water rushing over your skin in the neighborhood pool? Do you have the time and the eyes to see His hand where you are today? Now?
The only place we need to see before we die is this place of seeing God, here and now.I have started looking. I have started noticing. I have started giving thanks. If I continue to name three things each day, I should reach one thousand by my next birthday.
Some are good things,
1. the sound of raindrops on the skylight in the middle of the night,
4. a new contact on my phone,
9. open windows,
14. eating outside.
Some are not-so-good,
37. an "A" scratched on the side of my car reminds me that Anna lived,
38. dirty socks on the floor remind me that Jacob, Audra, and Will still live,
39. forgotten homework, flutes, and lunches--another chance to say 'I love you' when I take them to their owners.
Giving thanks in all things.
Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our YES! to His grace.
Try it.
Slow down.
Look around you.
Give thanks.
Start with three and let me know in the comment section what they are.
"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23)
1. Leaving for vacation today - getting to spend a week by the ocean.
ReplyDelete2. My sister who is taking me to the airport even though she worked all night.
3. Sitting on the back porch with my mom this morning listening to the birds chirp.
Love it. I do this sporadically but need to be more purposeful in doing it consistently!
ReplyDelete1. My first day of summer vacation
2. A sweet FB message from a parent of one of my students this past year
3. Clean laundry folded and ready to be put away...
1. The hat Elinor made adorned with things that symbolize Pennsylvania as part of the sublime 4th grade pageant yesterday.
ReplyDelete2. My colleagues who are amazing and beautiful.
3. The bag of black licorice candy that Loretta gave me.
1. My children home for summer.
ReplyDelete2. A husband that loves me unconditionally.
3. Donuts. :)
Medical insurance through my hubby when I lost my job.
ReplyDeleteEnough money to pay my bills AND still keep my gym membership.
A pastor at church who teaches and challenges me.
1). A cool home on a very hot day.
ReplyDelete2.) Your writing, which inspires me more than anything other than the Bible.
3.) My family.
1. A 17 year old daughter that still loves to hang out with her mother and sit on her lap.
ReplyDelete2. A husband who stops and picks me wild flowers on the way home from work.
3. Seeing deer frolicking in a pasture on the way to work.