This is the question I pondered as I pushed the cart out of the store after a frustrating discussion with my son. He wanted something; I said no. He sulked; I lectured.
I silently fumed at his ungrateful attitude as I counted all of his blessings . . . a dinner out with family at his favorite restaurant, a fabulous soccer game the day before and meal out after that, his getting to wear the pair of shoes he wanted to church and getting to ride with his cousin on the way to the restaurant afterwards. The list continued in my head with each step, until a familiar Voice interrupted my thoughts.
"What about your ungrateful attitude? How many times have you been told, 'No,' and sulked?" And I realize the lecture that I gave to my son could have been said in front of a mirror.
We are forgetful creatures, happy to enjoy the blessings we are given without remembering from Whom they come. Quick to complain when we feel we're missing out on something good, yet slow to remember to give credit when it's due.
Let's not be like those with darkened hearts and foolish thinking that know God but don't acknowledge or give thanks to Him (Romans 1:21). Let's not be like the nine lepers who were cured by Jesus, but did not return to show their gratitude (Luke 17:12-17). Instead, together let's
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
~1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Intentionally remember and give thanks with me today. As I continue my count to One Thousand, I ask you to share with me that for which you are thankful.
Because I need to give thanks for gifts #288 - 304
a nephew's decision to be baptized
dinner with family to celebrate
fried green tomatoes, shared
attending church and being surrounded by those I love most
money to buy what we need
a Voice to interrupt my self-righteousness
teaching moments
a husband's help when I have a headache
cuddling on the couch with the one I love most
beautiful weather
a bike ride with The Thinker
holding his hand as we walked down the lane (and he didn't pull away!)
the thoughts of my beautiful accountability partners
resisting temptation
new beginnings
His mercies are new every morning
much for which to give thanks
6 comments:
i really try to make sure that each morning i give thanks to God for what He's given me. i find myself being impatient with our housing sometimes.....but i have made it a point to focus on what we DO have and not what we DON'T. we've always had what we needed (a roof over our heads, warm beds, plentiful food, family together) and that is much more important than what we want (our dream home, "stuff", eating at our favorite restaurants). so, today.....and every day....i give thanks to God!!
I give thanks to God for allowing us to live on this planet of His, to breathe His air, to eat His produce, walk on His earth, enjoy His creation day by day.
This is a good lesson. I know that it's hard saying no over and over to our children and setting an example of thankfulness. I think in a way, they expect us to say no, and that's ok...it even makes them feel safe, as we set those boundaries around them. Just as we are safe as God protects us and doesn't just give us everything we think we want.
I find I learn so much about my faith from my kids. They are like a mirror to me, holding up what I neglect or stumble over. On another note, I have always wanted to try fried green tomatoes. How do you make that? On yet another note- thanks for visiting and discussing my hair issues! Have a grateful day tomorrow!
health! legs that work! my new baby nephew! my hard-working husband! my son with heart problems who is leading a healthy, strong life! my job! my home! My 10 year old! My two dogs! God's Grace and Mercy....this blog!
THANKS FOR THE REMINDER TO STOP IN MY TRACKS and give THANKS!
Counting along with you ... As always, a delight to splash in thankfulness all around.
Splashin,
Sara
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