Jen’s Gem:  Give thanks for everything, every day.

This week, my car was at the mechanic for some “cosmetic surgery” due to a minor car accident. Since I work from home, I don’t realllly need my car but I had several appointments so I decided to get a rental.

I had a fair amount of anxiety about this. Why? I drive a 2008 Toyota Camry. ‘Nuff said. Today’s computerized cars far exceed my vehicle’s paltry capabilities. I did not want to have to get another college degree just to drive a car for a few days.

My instruction to the customer service rep was simple: “I want the dumbest car you have.” She looked at me in shock and responded: “No one has ever said that to me!” I explained my trepidation, which she fully understood.

“Is a push button start ok?” I replied in the affirmative. She informed me that the engine would shut off if I am stopped too long to conserve gas, but assured me it would start up again when I removed my foot from the brake.

Really? Really? Like how much gas are you saving with this nonsense?  As she handed me the key, I asked God to bless the car and to bless this young woman since a) she did not laugh at my request and b) she “got me.”

In short, the car was fine. It got me to and from and other than that whole engine turning off thing that freaked me out, it fulfilled its purpose. However, I will say that I have never been so grateful for my car.

This experience got me to thinking about how much I took it for granted. I wondered what other areas of my life might not be appreciated as much as they should be. We have such abundance in our country that it is easy to forget those less fortunate or even forget that at one time, we did not have the possessions, health, or wealth we have now.

There was a time when we prayed, maybe even begged God for the things we have. Yet now that we have them, they are inconsequential. The “thrill is gone” as Mr. B.B. King sang.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul states the following regarding gratitude:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NKJV)

What does he say to give thanks for? One thing? Two things? Nope! Everything! Whenever Jesus prayed to the Father, He always gave thanks first. Always. He took nothing for granted. 

We must do the same. Why? As the verse says above, “it’s the will of God.” What does this mean? It means this is what God wants us to do. Everything we have is from Him. Every breath we take. Every move we make  – literally – is a gift from our Father in heaven. (Tweet this.)

So, what is the lesson here? Gratitude. We continually seek God to answer our prayers but do we take the same amount of time (or any time?) to thank Him for what He’s already done? Do we remember to thank Him when a prayer is answered? 

My restored Camry is back home, better than it was. I’m thankful to God for providing the (unexpected) means to pay for it and for the skilled mechanic who did his best work on my aging vehicle.

I want to encourage you to write down what you are grateful for today. Be as specific as possible. Think of each item on your list as a beautifully wrapped gift from God, your loving Father…because it is.

Want answers to prayers? Want more blessings? Don’t take God for granted. In everything, give thanks.