November always brings around an attitude of gratitude and starts us on the holiday journey. There are things we are super thankful for and then there are those things, people and situations we could do without. Well, that is what we humanly think, but those “less thankful things” could really be just what we need. Maybe, just maybe when we look back, we can see it is exactly what our heavenly Father prescribed.
One of my favorite parts of God’s heart is His desire to give us amazing gifts. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Every good gift you receive is because God loves you.
Many of you know my dear friend, Dora, who turned 101 last month. I have written and spoken of her over the years. As I type this newsletter, I don’t know the number of days she has remaining, but what I do know is that she has been a gift from God.
As I sat at her bedside a couple weeks ago alongside her daughter and a friend, it was a moment I knew would eventually come, a moment when it would be soon time to say goodbye for now. But when it actually came, I found myself unraveled. Yes, unraveled but not undone. I found parts of my heart torn in pieces knowing there would always be a missing piece, but there would always be a bond that would keep us together till the end of time. It was a moment of gratitude in an hour of despair.
Over the years, Dora graced me with many gifts such as lovely items from her home to visibly remember her by and all she has poured into my life over the past 25 plus years through our monthly visits. Her example of loving God with all her heart, trusting Him with every area of life and her contentment in any situation has grown me to be more like Jesus. Even in her days of decline, she still speaks words of encouragement and her attitude of gratitude is what I am most thankful for.
Just as her love for me and so many others is beyond words and a special gift, so greater is our heavenly Father’s love for you as He looks for every opportunity to give you His gift. He desperately wants you to know that you are loved and valued by Him. He so deeply wants you to know that He is not distant from you, but rather is working in your midst to lead you to abundant joy, peace, and life.
You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight. Psalm 16:11
If we could only begin to understand that all we receive in life comes as a gift from our Heavenly Father, then we will begin to look at even the simple things with awe. This perspective allows us to appreciate the small things in life and the true gift of His presence in our lives.
If we could only grasp His perfect love for us, allow Him to teach us His ways and walk in His truth, we would unite our hearts with His to stand in awe of Him and all He wants for us.
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11
Our Father is the most generous person in the universe. He loved us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son, and He continues to love us by giving us the gift of life every day that we live (John 3:16).
With all this written, let us take the first10 challenge. Take the first10 minutes of your day before your feet even hit the ground and give them to God. While in that first10, thank Him for five things……..Okay, it may take more than ten minutes, but watch the difference it will make in your life. Spend some time reflecting on the amazing gifts He has given you. Thank Him for his desire to bless you. Worship Him because He is true and good. And, open your heart to receive all the gifts your heavenly Father longs to give you today.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Journeying with Him.
Jessie