Well, it seems that the holidays have arrived. The Home Depot has their display of Christmas trees lined up in front of the store and this afternoon I saw the Hershey’s Kiss commercial where the little candies are playing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” In less than a week, Nashville’s Mix 92.9 FM will be switching to the 24-hour Christmas music format. And, once again, I fail to see why I am receiving “Christmas Tree Application” requests on Facebook when we are still a month out.
However, it seems that I caught a little bit of spirit today. It was not Christmas spirit (sorry, mom) but rather the spirit of the less-tinselly holiday of the season: Thanksgiving. I am not entirely sure what sparked it, but at about 1AM this morning a feeling of thanks just descended upon me as I sat in front of my computer. And it has not left me all day. I have found myself thanking God for everything that even comes into my field of vision, and it has been wonderful.
“Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most High.” Psalms 50:14
Gratitude is a funny thing. As I thanked God today for everything from turtles to dirt to protecting me as I was pulling electrical wires, I noticed that I really had no room for negative feelings. I have been quite stressed and anxious about a couple of things (mostly my distinct lack of full-time employment) for the past few months and, for the first time that I can recall, I was not even thinking about them today. I just did not have time to worry about those little things; I had to give thanks for all that He has given me!
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Today has been wonderful. My prayer is that this overwhelming gratitude will not depart from my spirit. I realize that God has blessed me beyond all human measure and that He will continue to send those blessings my way simply because He loves me. My God, thank you for not abandoning me during a time of despair. Thank you for taking care of every need in the way that you see fit. Thank You for loving me as one of your children. But most of all, thank you for loving me enough to send your Son so that, one day, I can say “Thank You” to your face.
1 comment so far ↓
I like this. I want to feel this as intensely as you have. Because I, like you, have so very much to be thankful for. Why am I not screaming my praise and thanksgiving every second of every day?
Thank you, God.
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