Everything I read lately tells me that I should be grateful no matter what my circumstances are, and not only grateful, but peaceful and content. As I’ve mentioned a lot lately, I’ve been studying about Paul. Paul was quite the guy. He was such an example for the rest of us so many generations later. I’ve thought a lot about this guy. He was an ordinary guy with a one not so ordinary connection. He was strongly connected to his Lord, Jesus Christ. That is what made Paul extraordinary. I want to be extraordinary like Paul.
But, I do not want to be extraordinary in the eyes of men, but in the eyes of my Lord. That is easier said than done, but I think it begins with gratitude. Being grateful can change my whole outlook on things, no matter where life takes me. So, that said, since my brain is kinda fried after a long weekend at the hospital with my momma, and after a long day on the phone with automated phone systems at doctor’s offices, I just want to stop and show a little gratitude.
First, I want to say how thankful I am that I am washed in the blood of the Lamb. I am saved, I am chosen, I am loved, I am forgiven, I am the apple of my Father’s eye, I am His hands and feet to this world, I am, because He is. Everything good about me is from Him and in Him and through Him. I am truly grateful for the love He has shed on me.
Secondly, I am so grateful for my family. My wonderful husband and my two sweet sons, and of course my sweet future daughter-in-law bring so much joy to my life. There is nothing like family. We do not get to pick them, and sometimes family is quirky, but I’m so thankful for mine. Then there are our close friends. I have a friend or two who are like sisters and brothers to me, people who have poured so much into my life, people who love me warts and all, people who have cheered me on, let me cry on their shoulders, throw up on them and laugh with them until it hurt. They are not my blood relatives, but they are so much like family to me. I love them so deeply and they know who they are. I thank God for them all.
There are others, my church family, so many wonderful folks who love Jesus and who love each other. There are those who have stuck through the tough times and the wonderful times as well, so many who give so much of themselves to their families, their ministries and their church. God bless them that they keep giving and giving selflessly. They bless others so richly by loving, encouraging, believing, serving, challenging, giving, understanding, and on and on I could go. Just this week, these same folks have prayed with me, for my momma, my family, they have cooked meals, they have called, they have stepped up to fill in for me while I’m out, they have sent sweet Facebook messages and they have said yes to my endless requests for them to serve just one more time. I am so amazed at the graciousness and love poured out by these folks. I am so humbled that God has surrounded me with such beautiful people. They are amazing and I know that they will have jeweled filled crowns in Heaven. I continued to be amazed that they put up with me and love me so well. Family, old friends, new friends and friends to come.
Well, I’ve sort of gotten off of the subject of Paul, but not really. You see, Paul understood deep love for others and deep gratitude. He started many of his letters thanking God for His provisions, His grace and for those that God placed around Paul to encourage him and help him. He loved to see and thank God for the spiritual growth of those whom he taught and shared the Gospel with. Paul got it. I want to get it too. I so badly want to get it. I want God’s Word to penetrate my heart so deeply that I cannot help but be transformed. I look at myself and see so many things that need fixing. Well, I’m grateful that I belong to the Great Physician. He can fix me. He is fixing me, moment by moment, day by day, changing me from glory to glory. One day He will fix me all over. In the twinkling of an eye, I will be totally transformed. A new body! I will stand before Him new and whole! Wow! When I think about that, how can I not rejoice as Paul did? How can I not press on toward the prize and toward the goal! There is so much to be grateful for. Not all things are good, some things are downright hard, but God makes all things useful. God takes the good, the bad and the ugly and uses it all for His children and for His purpose. And for that I am truly grateful! Amen! I hope and pray that you will also find some things to be grateful for this week. I pray that you know my Jesus, and that you will rejoice and thank Him today as you read this.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
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