I love the Mitford Series, by Jan Karon. They touched me far more than I expected them to. In one of them, the question was raised-"What if God took away each and every thing that you have never thanked Him for?"
I thank God a lot for the important things. Allen, our children, food, our house, Allen's job and my van. But the little things? The tiny things? Wow.
Boy, I went around and thanked God for everything I could think of. Hot water, showers and toilets, garbage men, chairs, tires, fingernail clippers... The list went on and on. It was an eye opening experience, showing me how much for granted I take most of my life.
I love the Amazing Race. I ignore, for now, some of the yucky stuff because I am able to get a glimpse of the world I so desperately want to travel someday. And it's actually improving some of my geography skills! Hee!
Last night, they were in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in West Africa. They were in a tiny, filthy schoolroom that was leaking because it was raining. It reminded me how very wealthy we are. Incredible.
So this week, I'm going to stay in thankful mode. I usually am, I think, but I want to stay that was permanently. I'll use this week as practice.
Did you know that it is psychosomatically impossible to feel stress and be thankful at the same time?? Isn't that cool????
Colossians 2
6 As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.
7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 3
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
I'm going to be more thankful.
3 comments:
It's been rainy, cold and yucky here for days and I just start to feel so down, but today the sun is out and I am grateful for your reminder to thank God for all the little things. It's funny, I thank him every day for hot water in the shower, because it warms me up. And since we were without power for seven hours last week, I am really thankful for light, heat, music, tv, our oven, and clocks. It's not much to go without, but just that little bit of time without all the things I take so for granted has helped me to conserve them even more. It's sad that there are people in other countries and even in our own country who don't have even a good roof over their heads and I am feeling sorry for myself because it won't stop raining. Thank you for helping to put things in perspective.
Super thankful for you, dear friend!
We do tend to take so much for granted when we are so blessed! I'm so thankful for your friendship and your gentle reminders!
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