Every day is a gift. Life itself is a gift. It just doesn't always feel that way, does it? Since my bout with cancer several years ago, I believed that thankfulness was now a more prominent characteristic in my life. I've tried to focus on the positive things knowing that my fragile little world could have been snuffed out back in my teenage years. And I could easily talk the talk about thankfulness and blessings and such. And this was all well and good when life was treating me with gentle hands, no one was nasty to me at work, no one was hurting someone I love, my finances were in order, and my future was bright. But what happens when reality strikes me across the face again? Where did that positive perkiness run off to? Somehow I forget all those things that I was grateful for.
A few nights ago, I was spouting off to my husband about various frustrations. You know how when you get focused on one irritating things and all the others you've forgotten come bubbling up to the surface. A chain reaction of negativity proceeds. At this point in my life, it's crazy. I'm in a demanding program at a nearby college while continuing to work full-time. My stress level is elevated, at times, to say the least. So there I was next to him in our bedroom, griping over menial frustrations. As usual, he patiently listened and spoke not one word. I couldn't tell if he was holding his tongue or if I just didn't let him get a word in edgewise. Nonetheless, nothing was said other than my big mouth carrying on. In the middle of my rancid thoughts, something stopped me mid-sentence. It was almost like a divine finger appeared and so gently tapped on my shoulder to get my attention. That still small voice inside me threw up rustled my spirit. I was made aware of how I sounded, and it bothered me. Does God look favorably on this kind of chatter? Is this the woman He desires me to be? No. Certainly, not. I peered over at my husband who still hadn't dared to mutter a sound. "Thank you for not saying anything," I said. And I proceeded to say out loud every single thing that I am thankful for. A loving family, good health, kind friends, and a wonderful church were only a few. Salvation! Oh, sweet salvation. To know that Jesus died on the cross for me. Yes, sinful me. I was awestruck as I finished my list of thankfulness. My husband looked at me and said, "well, I guess you are blessed, now aren't you?" Yes, we are a blessed people.
Do you realize how many people around the world go hungry every single day? I don't think about that as I drive through McDonald's for an afternoon snack.
Do you know the millions of Christians around the globe who live in fear because of their faith in God? They cannot worship freely or even talk about Jesus. I don't think about that as I waltz into church every Sunday morning without a care in the world.
I'm blind to what I do have, yet my negative eyes fixate on the imperfect areas that I want to change. Such things that don't matter in the grand scheme of life. I focus on the situations I cannot change in any way, the ideas I cannot make happen tomorrow. Where is my peace that knows without a doubt that God has me in His hands?
In the book of Colossians, Paul speaks about inner peace that comes from God alone, and a thankfulness that resides in the depths of our being. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15) And later in II Thessalonians, we're reminded to "give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (2 Thessalonians 5:18) It's God will for us to be thankful amidst any circumstances. We are able to not because of ourselves, but because of the peace that comes from Christ residing in us. He is able, our flesh is not. Let peace rule in your heart. It makes life easier. It promotes a thankful heart. And most of all, it pleases our Lord.
Jesus Loves You,
Molly
No comments:
Post a Comment