Thankful in the Little Things

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is around the corner. If the Thanksgiving holiday were a person, I think I might feel sorry for him. He is quickly forgotten in the shadow of Christmas, sometimes even before his big day and most definitely as soon as Thursday is gone and the clock strikes midnight to usher in Friday with all it's shopping glory. Thanksgiving has become more of a reminder or notification that Christmas is almost here. But in reality, what a great honor Thanksgiving has in preparing our hearts for Christmas. It's only right that he would be overshadowed by the day we remember that Christ was born. Why not let Thanksgiving herald in the Christmas season and heed his proclamation to be intentional in cultivating a thankful heart? Afterall, the only way I can be thankful is because God sent his Son into the world to be my Savior.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil - this is God's gift to man. - Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

So, in seeking to learn from the Sound of Music, Thanksgiving and not to mention God's Word, I want to make a practice of recounting God's blessings on my days, especially in the little things.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

photo: December 5, 2009 (Exactly one year ago! Little detail that I delight in :) )

patience, meekness, unity

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. . . . Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians: 4:1-3, 15-16)

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)

God's Word is not like any other written word. God's words are life!

photo: Elya on Crossway Church farm, 11/7/10

vacation

Ever struggle to trust God because you are going on vacation for a week? yeah, me too. This coming week is the first time I'll be away from the office for that long since I started working over a year ago. And yesterday it was a particular struggle to not be anxious about all the things left undone and all the potential build up that will happen while I am gone. I think it uncovers a reality that I do not completely trust God in my work when I am doing it. So it is good to step back and see that my work really is not about me and my efforts, but God. He will handle things when I'm gone and be my strength and helper when I return, no matter how overwhelming a flooded email inbox or office bin is. This life is all about my Lord, and vacation can be a good reminder of that.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. - Colossians 1:15-20.

I am looking forward to enjoying this week and praising God for his many blessings. I get to celebrate the wedding of two good friends today, which my brother is in; sit under God's Word, worship, fellowship at a picnic, and just enjoy my church family tomorrow; and soak in some long awaited time focused on my family for an entire week. "Indeed, for such blessings He should be adored and honored supremely as eminent Lord" (Milton Vincent; A Gospel Primer).

photo: Vernazza, Italy 2007