“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15-16 (NIV)
I hope all of my American friends are having a great, relaxing weekend. My girlfriends in Michigan are sending their kids back to school for the first time on Tuesday. My children are green with envy as school has been in session here for almost three weeks. The only consolation is that they will be out before Memorial Day weekend.
I thought it would be a great exercise to list some of what I am thankful for today. There is nothing like reflecting on my blessings as an antidote for chasing the blues away. I have so much to be grateful for. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but happens to be what comes to mind:
I am heaven-bound.
I am the wife of the greatest husband in the world.
I am the mother of three incredible children.
I am the daughter of faithful parents who have followed hard after Jesus all of their lives.
I am the daughter-in-law of a special couple I consider to be my second parents.
I am the sister and sister-in-law of amazing siblings.
I have the privilege of being close friends with women whose beauty has nothing to do with their outward appearance but their inward gorgeousness.
I live in a country where the flag still stands for freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness, which, for me, means freedom to deepen my faith in Christ and worship Him without fear.
I have more than enough reasons to be happy.
I have true joy.
I have peace.
I am realizing more and more who I am in Christ.
None of those things listed above require a big bank account. That is what I am thankful for most of all.
What are you thankful for today?
Jesus, thank You for the abundant life You promise each of us. Instead of choosing to see the glass half-empty, which is my natural tendency, may I see that my cup runs over with Your blessings. May I choose thankfulness today.
Dear Shawn, I am thankful for many of the same things you are: heaven (and my daughter Rachel who connects me there), my husband who has stuck with me for 20 years through thick and thin, three uniquely wonderful earthly children, having had the best dad for 43 years and mother-in-law (mom-in-heart) for 13, my sister Sharon and her family, a roof over my head, vehicles that run most of the time, food on the table, clothes on my back, good health, the privilege of leading the womens bible study that you, my inwardly beautiful soul sister friend, started (who I think is also outwardly beautiful), my other soul sister friends (including your mom), my church family, and for the freedom to worship and grow in my walk with the Lord. Thanks for making me think of all the things I have to be thankful for. Love, Deb