I spend far too little time reflecting upon my many blessings. Most of the time I am absorbed in my unmet needs, my frustrations, my schedule.
How many times do I sacrifice life's most meaningful moments for the sake of my agenda?
Sticky little pancake fingers grab my cheeks as syrupy lips come in for a thank-you kiss. Chocolate-chip pancakes were, for me, an added chore on a long list of to-dos. Cooked with resentment. For my children, on the other (sticky) hand, those pancakes spoke a mother's love deep into their souls, a simple message of "you are special and you are worth it."
My sweet husband leans in to kiss his bride and I respond by backing away with an "ewwww" face because his five-a-clock shadow is prickly on my face.
How many times do I miss it?
Opportunities to grow a grateful heart are everywhere. The Lord gives abundantly, and I am extra-good at taking.
How it must grieve Him when our greatest blessings become sources for complaints, once a gift and now carried as a burden.
Also, God's greatest blessings often come in unmarked packages, not beautifully wrapped and tied up with a perfectly-shapen bow, because to Him the outward appearance doesn't matter. What matters is whether or not we trust Him, and whether or not we truly believe that He has our best interest in mind and that He will fulfill His promise to bless those who belong to Him.
Can we trust Him enough to be grateful for the hurts of life? Can we be grateful when He gives, but even more so when He takes away? Can we be thankful for the "thorns" of life that become so deeply embedded in our flesh that we live in a state of pain for longs seasons at a time?
"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Psalm 36:7-9
We can live a grateful life solely by remembering His saving love. When we consider the abundance of His precious gifts in our lives, that He sees fit to pour out His blessings on us, His undeserving children, a posture of thankfulness and humility should be the cornerstone of our very beings.
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Lord, it is with a repentant heart that I fall before you today, begging Your forgiveness for my extreme selfishness and ungratefulness. You have blessed me beyond comprehension and I am humbled. Help for me to see your gifts in every situation, and to remember that Your gifts don't always immediately appear to be beautiful. However, You have promised good to those who love You, and You are faithful to keep Your promises. Give me a heart that is full of gratitude for the great things You have done, and help me to live my life in such a way that reflects the goodness of who You are. Amen.
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