Thankful Thursday

 

 

time in the word

 

early morning prayer with my wife

 

clean water

 

a safe vehicle to drive

 

talking with my Father on the drive to work

 

sunrise, and sunshine throughout the day

 

enjoyable work; working with my hands; seeing progress

 

a delicious lunch made by my sweetheart

 

friends to share the journey with

 

technology that allows me to connect with others around the country

 

grilling burgers for supper

 

time in my woodshop working on a project for my wife

 

conversation with my niece

 

my cozy spot on the couch; sitting with my darling

 

These are just a sampling of the things I had to be thankful for this Thursday

 

I could elaborate and expand on any of them

 

but I won't bore you with the details, which in the end aren't the crucial part

 

what's important is the focus of my heart

 

were there things I could complain about today?

 

I suppose, but I'm gonna shout anyway!

 

as the line of a favorite song of mine asks

 

"How can I keep from singing Your praise?"

 

"How can I keep from shouting Your name?"

 

When the man who Jesus freed from demon-possession wanted to get in the boat and accompany Jesus on His journey, Jesus responded by telling him to go home to his people instead and tell them about the great things God had done for him and how he had been shown mercy

 

That's what I want to be about, that's how I want to be known; as one who is sharing with others the great things I have seen God do in my life, and how I am experiencing His mercy every day

 

In four days I get to see my son.  I'm going to embrace him with a very grateful heart

 

I know parents who have lost their children and wish they had one more chance to give that child a hug and let them know how much they love them.  I'm thankful for every opportunity I have to talk with and hug my kids. 

 

A wise man once said, "Children are a blessing from the Lord..."

 

How true that is

 

Sometimes it takes great tragedy for me to understand truth

 

I'm thankful God doesn't always give me what I deserve, but rather invites me to come and partake of His grace, find strength in His embrace, and rest in the confidence of His amazing love

 

I don't want to miss an opportunity to say "Thank You, Lord."

 

He is worthy of all my praise!