November 27, 2013

[for this I am thankful]

Thanksgiving.
Thankful hearts; turkey that makes you sleepy; family; friends; joy; afternoon naps; overfilled plates; full stomachs; PUMPKIN MUFFINS WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING; laughter; memories; walks on the golf course; FOOTBALL; time off from work; over competitive family members during Catch Phrase; mimosas; packed movie theaters. These are just a few of my favorite things about Thanksgiving.
However, one of the most important yet overlooked characteristics of Thanksgiving - not to mention everyday life - includes thankfulness towards the LORD for small, yet life changing blessings.
The other day (here I go with my deepness.. approaching 5.. 6.. 7 ft) I ate the most excellent pumpkin muffie (yes, you heard me) from Panera. It was strangely tasty. Please, go get one. Now. Anyway, I began thinking about taste. And how God created humankind to even have the ability to taste. Which leads me to believe that God cares about the joy of humankind enough to bless us not only with good food, but taste buds to let us fully experience it. He could have created the world with subpar food & drink to nourish us, but instead graces us with cabernet and racks of ribs.
Right on.
So this Thanksgiving I am choosing to be thankful for the ‘little’ blessings in life.
I’m thankful for cold showers when the hot water runs out because it means that I have the ability to bathe in clean water.
I’m thankful for a huge dent in my new car because it takes my focus off of material things. Not to mention that I no longer have to worry about the first scratch.. I’ve got a passenger door’s worth of damage.
I’m thankful for disagreements with close friends because it allows me to be honest and open about my feelings, leading to a stronger relationship.
I’m thankful for the paper cut I get from my book because that means I have an advantage over massive portions of the world’s population in that literacy and knowledge are items to be prized in the United States.
I’m thankful for the nonstop construction noises I can’t seem to cancel out with my headphones at work because that means I have the ability to hear.
Really though. There are innumerable ways to give thanks this Thanksgiving.. this week.. in this life. Open your eyes.
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
--1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Notice that joyfulness is grouped in with prayers and thankfulness; I don’t believe it to be a coincidence. Only when we begin opening our eyes to the blessings around us will we be joyful. Only when we pray to the LORD and see Him for who He is and what He desires for our life will we give thanks for his graciousness.

This Thanksgiving, I dare you to try looking for the simple blessings in life and giving thanks.

Prayers + Thankfulness = Pure Joy.
^^a heck of an equation if you ask me

And now for your enjoyment.. a Christmas background for your desktop. Here's to the holiday season.