Thankful

One of my favorite songs by Keith and Kristyn Getty, begins with the line, "My heart is filled with thankfulness, to Him who bore my pain."  This one phrase has been rolling around in my head over and over today.  When I ponder what Christ's death means to me, I feel as though my mind can't really comprehend it.  He died to give me life.  So simple yet so complex.  His sacrifice always increases my gratitude for salvation and my eventual reward in heaven, but it also makes me full of gratitude for the full life He provides for me while I am here on earth.

"The thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy.  My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." --John 10:10 NLT

"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in heaven.  He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."--James 1:17

"The Lord God is our sun and shield.  He gives us grace and glory.  The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do right."  --Psalm 84:11

Sometimes I get so caught up in what is lacking or what I need, or even the dreams I hope happen sometime in the future, that I forget to savor the daily gifts that God bestows EVERY DAY.  I don't mean acknowledge them quickly and then get right back to worrying and begging and hoping for the things I REALLY want.  I mean really savor and thank God for the abundant life He has given.  All the little things that I take for granted.  Everything that adds depth and richness to life.  Each moment I appreciate because of His grace and compassion.   

When I was in college, a friend gave me a blank journal and suggested that I write one thing every day for which I was thankful.  I was pretty faithful for several years, but it almost became a ritual after awhile.  I forgot what I was actually supposed to be gleaning from recording the large and small moments that reminded me of a loving God.  I gave up the practice for a couple of years.  Ironically, when I started to feel buffeted by difficult times, I decided to return to my daily writing.  It is so much more meaningful, and my eyes feel a little more attuned to the daily (some may call them mundane) gifts from God as well as His most priceless offering of salvation to me.  What are you most thankful for today?  What unexpected moment reminded you of the fleeting and fragile gift life is?  Here are just a few that will be finding the way into my "thankful book" and my thankful heart.

A perfectly ripe, juicy peach; impossible to cut without oozing juice

A little boy's face smeared with peach juice

Leftover spaghetti for lunch

Waving to my neighbors

Wax warmers that gently freshen the air

Warm, soapy dishwater

Little girl ponytails and little boy haircuts

Bible apps for my smartphone

Little House on the Prairie books-I am loving them just as much as an adult sharing them with my girl

Bluegrass music, an instant spirit lifter

Morning prayers, breathed while I am still under the sheets

New life's movements inside me

                 Sitting at the kitchen table, looking up to see my husband HOME!