The other day during my walk, I heard a song that triggered the memory of a long ago (lost) love. Immediately, every wonderful activity we shared was brought to my mind as if it were yesterday. For a moment, I basked in that time of my life when all seemed well with the world.
Funny how I only remembered the good times, right? All the not-so-great things seemed to have leaked out of my brain. However, it didn’t take long before I recalled the devastating breakup and buckets of tears that took far too long to heal from.
It’s fun to reminisce, isn’t it? But getting stuck in the past serves no one as we can miss the blessings of today. And we have lots of them!
Yet if we get caught up in the drama of the 21st century, it is easy for us to overlook how God has opened up the windows of heaven and poured out blessings on us (Malachi 3:10). I believe this is why we are told to “pray with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6-7).
God wants us to have a grateful heart not only when we pray, but to make it a lifestyle, to have an “attitude of gratitude.” He does not want us to whine and complain – that’s the attitude that short circuits our blessings.
Think about it.
If you are or were a parent of young children, how likely were you to give them what they ask when they were having a tantrum or whining? Wouldn’t you be more inclined to hand over the bounty if they were grateful for what they already had?
How about on the job? When you have a boss or colleague who is appreciative and acknowledges your work, aren’t you grateful and want to do even more for them?
One of the things I do during my quiet time with the Lord is to thank Him for everything I can think of. This includes the “general” things like my health, home, and my children. But I also try to remember the little things – that parking spot, that phone call or text from a friend, that favor at the doctor’s office.
You see, when we actively look for God’s grace and mercy toward us each day, we will have no problem recalling all the blessings in our lives. Things may not be perfect, but hey, we live on a broken planet, so nothing is ever going to be perfect here.
You might be saying, “That’s all fine and good for you Jen, but I’m going through the wringer right now.” I get it. I’ve got a few of those myself. However, I want to challenge you to reframe the situation and look for the good in your life. Look back on how you overcame other challenges, perhaps bigger ones and rest in knowing that God will get you through this one too.
God always makes a way when we put our trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). He always turns what others meant for evil into good for those who believe (Genesis 50:20), and He helps us through every challenge we may face (Psalm 46:1).
This week, I’d like to encourage you to intentionally and purposefully write down the blessings in
your life. I suspect once you get started, you will run out of time and ink!
Then take that list and put it in plain sight so when those songs come on the radio that trigger a painful memory or you are experiencing the “wringer du jour,” you can remember the amazing blessings God has already given you.
Let’s remember to be grateful today!
P.S. If you would like to learn more about how God can take you through the wringers and bless you, click here to watch or listen to the Elevate The Day podcast “God Knows How To Increase You!”