“Always be joyful”? “Never stop praying”? “Be thankful in ALL circumstances”? Now those are pretty tall orders to fill. I mean, there’s no way on earth…wait a minute. I suppose that’s the whole issue here. There is NO way on EARTH we can possibly fulfill that expectation. It’s not within our own power to accomplish. If left up to me I would simply try a big goofy grin & live in denial, trying to pretend life is hunky dory & everything’s peaches & cream. Life just doesn’t particularly work that way all the time. I can only ever hope to really live that way when God is working out His will & way in me. Otherwise, it’s just a big façade.
I just said goodbye to a friend a few hours ago. I knew it was coming for several days. She was a neighbor, choir member, church member, & friend. She had a disease that gradually crystallized her lungs from the bottom up. It finally stole her last breath awhile ago. But those of us who knew & loved her do not have to “grieve like people who have no hope.” When she took her last breath here she gulped a big taste of heavenly air!
The past few days I’ve been thinking about life, death, this whole issue of thankfulness & being thankful in unthankful surrounds. Thankfully, God reminded me of some really sweet things to put me in the spot of ‘thanksliving.’ Please indulge me & just maybe it may encourage you to pause & reflect of your own ‘thanksliving list.’ Here goes, not in any particular order of importance:
I’m thankful for:
My first grade teacher…or else I wouldn’t be writing this list. (Miss Pugsley, you had the patience of Job!)
My eyes…glasses & all. At least I can see.
My great big nose…supper smells really good.
My dumbo ears…I love music!
My first love….my first heartbreak…at least I feel & have the capacity to care!
The first time I kissed my wife…it was electric!!
The first time I held my son.
Friends.
God’s amazing grace as big as the sky!
My parents that I can still hug & kiss.
A warm place to sleep.
A house I get to fix up!
People I get to serve.
My put-put car.
Hard times…makes me appreciate the really great days in life.
Laughter.
My pets.
Email.
Forgiveness for the most criminal, corrupt things I’ve done.
The privilege to own more bibles than I can possibly read.
Memories…good & bad.
Etc.
How about it? Do you have a ‘thanksliving list’? Might help to serve up some thanks as you dive into the turkey & dressing.
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister cell 870-217-9376
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Also Dave Jackson on facebook
Dave’s Desk –blogspot- http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment