An “Everything” List
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
We hear it a lot: “Be grateful.”
Other renditions suggest, “Things could be worse.” “You have it better than most.”
The Christian-ese phrase I’ve known since childhood says,
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thess. 5:18)
Yeah, that.
Some days it’s hard to come up with an “everything” list when the craziness whirls, dreams fade, and expectations shatter.
But I’ve discovered over the years that this thankful-thinking really works. Especially if I don’t start with—or wait for—my emotions.
It’s not about feeling grateful, it’s about being grateful. And aren’t we human beings?
Not that we should look heavenward and snipe, “Yeah, God, thanks a lot.”
Um, no. Rather, we have a choice. And since our reactions and responses are probably the only things over which we truly have control, why not choose gratitude?
We can start small.
Give thanks for the hot coffee in your cup each morning.
Give thanks for the cup.
How about that person who smiled at us in the market? (If no one smiled, maybe we should start the process.)
Or the glory of changing seasons.
Indoor plumbing. (Seriously, think about it.)
The Bible we read, whether pixel or paper.
Clothes to wear. Food to eat. Breath in our lungs.
The fact that we’re on this side of the grass and not under it.
There have been so many times in my life when I wanted to know God’s will for a particular situation. The above quote from 1 Thessalonians is a pretty clear directive on one thing that is definitely God’s will.
So let’s give it a try.
Can you list one thing in the comment section below?
Blessings to you this Thanksgiving.
~~~
An Improper Proposal
Lying in the mud beneath the wagon, he thanked God for bringing her to him. For he was finally convinced that the Lord had done exactly that. ~An Improper Proposal
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Marlene - I feel your frustration, er, uh, I mean joy! Those bundles of delight that you wrangle with such love probably learn more from watching you than listening. At least mine did. And I didn't always respond correctly (no surprise there) so it's God's grace again that came--and continues to come--to the rescue!
I'm a slightly harried mother of six kids, and feel that I am bombarded with the need to constantly help/correct/teach my kids. It's wearing! And when the little ones show resistance, it is so DIFFICULT to be thankful! The quote above is an excellent one. Sometimes I think people view me as having a charmed life, even though they know that the kids are challenging.
Having six kids - and a husband - and a God in heaven - who love me is something to be thankful for. And I should remind myself of that blessing when the daily - or hourly - frustrations come in a never-ending flow.
I think I need that quote on my wall. A couple of my kids struggle with how to RESPOND to tough situations - not to mention having to do something that they didn't want. It is a good one for them also!