At the recommendation of a friend, I am reading a book by Ann Voskamp. It is called One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. On the surface, it sounds like another feel good book. It is not. The first chapter had me in tears and raw.
Ann says, we “enter the world like every person born enters the world: with clenched fists”. I read that line two weeks ago. I cannot seem to get it out of my head. God has so many blessings for me. I am so ungrateful. I clinch my fists and stomp my feet. “Not your way God. I want it my way!”
Last week, I was reading Steven Furtick’s blog. His topic was also about being thankful. He says before we ever say please, we should say thank you. Backwards from the way we teach our children.
When I thank God for a messy house, I accept my house (and the people/animals living in it) as gifts He has given me. When I thank God for my infertility, I accept my sons D, E, and Z as my gifts. When I thank God for this wait we are going through, I accept this time as a gift to be cherished. He has so many gifts for me, I just have to open my hands and take them. Not living life with clenched fists, but with open hands.
Jesus broke bread and gave thanks the night before He was to die. The biggest, most awesome gift we have ever been given. The miracle of all miracles. Jesus gave thanks beforehand. We must give thanks, before miracles can happen in us and through us.
On my list of gifts:
- The feel of a jellyfish.
- Cool sand.
- The smell of ripe peaches.
- The taste of a orange mango smoothie (that I had wanted to be strawberry).
- Tearful prayers.
- A loving God.
- Miracles.
What are you thankful for?
Psalm 100:4 (ESV) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Matthew 7:11 (ESV) If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
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