Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The practice of gratitude....

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:12-17
bold and italics added for emphasis by moi.

So often during this time of year we rush through Thanksgiving... pausing briefly to "give thanks" before loading up on turkey and pie... stuffing and potatoes... gravy and green beans...

I've been soaking in Colossians 3 a lot lately... and I've been challenged... challenged to actually do what this passage outlines... not just on Thanksgiving... but everyday...

So Tomorrow... on Thanksgiving... and today... and the day after Thursday... and the day after that...

I will work hard... to soak in the goodness and grace of the mighty God I serve... I will work hard to dwell in sweet thankfulness...

I won't just pause to pray a short prayer of "thanks" to the Lord...

Instead, I will sit in His goodness... I will rest in His love...

I will press thankfulness firmly on my little old heart...

Happy Thanksgiving dear friend... I hope that tomorrow finds you enjoying good food with good friends... and I pray that thankfulness presses upon you... not just tomorrow, but everyday...







1 comment:

Julia Kime said...

Hannah,
I love you! Thank you for this wonderful Thanksgiving message to us all.
Thank you, dear Lord, for words of encouragement.
love,
Momasita