This past weekend we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving as a family. Most years we have the great privilege of experiencing TWO turkey dinners with family, one with mine on the Sunday and one with my hubby’s on the Monday. This year we spent a couple days at my parents’ cottage, and the weather was just beyond words beautiful!
We did simple things, like jumping in piles of leaves, reading a new book together, building houses on the beach, sitting around and playing card games, and, of course, eating :0)
It got me to thinking again of how I have forgotten to live every day in thanks. In the days that are long because of children testing their boundaries, stretching their abilities, pressuring your patience, and the nights that are short from little ones waking in fevers and tears over the wrong pajamas.
When I’m tempted to scold and I know what’s needed instead is a gentle answer and a hug. When I’m panicking because we’re “getting behind” forgetting that I set the pace, I set the tone, each day for our family.
When I’m reeling from another stand-off, another pile, another mess, another breakdown, I need this reminder hanging in my bathroom, my refuge when I need a few moments to breathe.
Right beside the footprints of my children, my blessings, my answers to prayer. The ones who take me from highs to lows in a matter of seconds.
GOD’S WILL for you is to give thanks. Everyday. In every way. But not in your own strength – IN CHRIST JESUS.
AMEN!
John Calvin wrote “The stability of the world depends on this rejoicing of God in his works.”.
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. Lord, of all to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.
When you’re feeling unappreciated, is when you are appreciated the most. When you’re feeling disappointed in how things are turning out, remember who gave you the divine appointment here. When you’re feeling stretched is when you need to stretch out your hands in the practice of praise.
Because in the practicing or praise, it turns the practice into an automatic response.
Ann Voskamp writes “Our worlds reel unless we rejoice. A song of thanks steadies everything”.
So I remember, cry, pray, put on music and sing, write my thanks, clean off the dirt and dust so gratefulness can shine through. Remember the little eyes are watching, learning, mimicking. Seize each moment to turn into praise.
Give thanks in ALL circumstances. Everyday. Everyday thanks.