Thursday, November 24, 2005
Perspective
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:15
Today I had a conversation with a young wife who was complaining about all the Thanksgiving family get-togethers she would have to attend. Parents and Grandparents on both sides wanted to spend time with her and her husband. I recognized right away that her perspective of Thanksgiving was off. She was spending time bemoaning what she didn't have (leisure time or private time with her husband) rather than being thankful for what she did have--3 generations of loving family all able to be together. Being unthankful was robbing her of a calm and peaceful spirit with which to approach the coming holiday.
I, too, struggle with letting the peace of God rule in my heart. Monday (Nov. 21) was Sue's birthday. She would have been 30 years old. We took flowers to her grave and I allowed myself to grieve. Those times can be healing times for the soul, but there is a point when I need to remind myself to focus on what I have and be thankful, rather than dwell on what we have lost. Making a concerted effort to allow God's peace to reign in my thoughts, choosing to be thankful, this changes my whole perspective and lightens my heart.
I'm so thankful that Malcom's health is continuing to improve. Today he underwent a procedure to remove the stint that had been placed in his ureter several months ago. The procedure went well and the doctor says things look good. The mouth and throat infection has also cleared up. He'll be able to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast with even a few days of leftovers before the next chemo on Monday, the 28th.
This Thanksgiving I am vividly aware of God's abundant blessings toward me. I'm planning to appreciate all that I have...it's not "things," but the people in my life--my husband, my children and grandchildren, my mother, sisters and brothers, my church and wonderful friends all over the world who have been so loving and supportive.
Today I had a conversation with a young wife who was complaining about all the Thanksgiving family get-togethers she would have to attend. Parents and Grandparents on both sides wanted to spend time with her and her husband. I recognized right away that her perspective of Thanksgiving was off. She was spending time bemoaning what she didn't have (leisure time or private time with her husband) rather than being thankful for what she did have--3 generations of loving family all able to be together. Being unthankful was robbing her of a calm and peaceful spirit with which to approach the coming holiday.
I, too, struggle with letting the peace of God rule in my heart. Monday (Nov. 21) was Sue's birthday. She would have been 30 years old. We took flowers to her grave and I allowed myself to grieve. Those times can be healing times for the soul, but there is a point when I need to remind myself to focus on what I have and be thankful, rather than dwell on what we have lost. Making a concerted effort to allow God's peace to reign in my thoughts, choosing to be thankful, this changes my whole perspective and lightens my heart.
I'm so thankful that Malcom's health is continuing to improve. Today he underwent a procedure to remove the stint that had been placed in his ureter several months ago. The procedure went well and the doctor says things look good. The mouth and throat infection has also cleared up. He'll be able to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast with even a few days of leftovers before the next chemo on Monday, the 28th.
This Thanksgiving I am vividly aware of God's abundant blessings toward me. I'm planning to appreciate all that I have...it's not "things," but the people in my life--my husband, my children and grandchildren, my mother, sisters and brothers, my church and wonderful friends all over the world who have been so loving and supportive.
3 Comments:
Your thankful thoughts just like the verses I read today from Romans "let us have joy in hope of the glory of God.And not only so, but let us have joy in our toubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope: And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us ".
Suzanne
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Father of the ages, thank you . For Providing everything we need.
Thank you for Parents and Grandparents who prayed for us before we were ever born as we pray for the children and grandchildren you have given us.
Thank you for teaching us to love by loving us , for all the love you give and we share.
Thank you for surrounding us with the miracle of Your Creation
for the heavens for sunrise and sunset, thank you for the rain.
Thank you for laughter and others to laugh with, for service and others to
serve with.
Thank You for health, sight, hearing, hands to work and hands to hold,
holidays and beauty, books and music, children, food, rest, homes, and memories.
Father, we are so blessed, Thank you for being here, watching, caring, helping. Glory to your Name
Thank You for who You are.
In addition to all of the things we are thankful for this Thanksgiving, we add Malcom and the way God is blessing with his continued improvement. We are so thankful that God loves us unconditionally and the HE is pleased with us. Yes, we have found favor with him.
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