It brings to mind the simple pleasures of life that God gives us, often in abundance. I'm not talking about the healing of a loved one, or a 10K bonus at work, or a friend believing in Christ--those are ultra blessings. I'm thinking more of the cool breeze in the middle of the day, the smile of a young daughter, the motes dancing in a sunbeam, the perfect coffee, a hug, a cool wisp of cloud, a comfortable chair...you get the idea. Trouble is how often we allow these everyday, simple pleasures to go unappreciated. We take them for granted or allow the pace of life to crowd out any thought of thanks.
Consider the Scriptures*:
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
It's cool that this event was important enough to be recorded in the scriptures, and it underscores the importance of thanking God. But getting healed from lifelong leprosy is a pretty HUGE deal. What about the everyday blessings?
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
"...pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Seems like thanking God is important for all things. Even the tough times. So take the time today to crowd out the world and thank God for the small things. And if you feel comfortable doing so, leave a comment telling us what small things you thank God for.
*New International Version (NIV) courtesy of BibleGateway.com
8 comments:
Thanks for the great reminder. I never thought of thanking God for coffee! I love coffee!
My blessing today is the most amazing cup of coffee. I like to think of them as kisses from Him. I mean my Dad always kissed me every day when he saw me, right smack-daub between my eyebrows. How much more will my Heavenly Father sprinkle my day with small mercies to remind me, that He is with me, and loves me. Just because, I'm me.
And the coffee was really, really, REALLY good. If Heaven has coffee, this was a taste of it. :D
I'm thankful for great books and great authors that put into words what I wanted to, but never could.
No seriously, I am.
I am thankful for fans, that blow muggy, humid air and make my summer bearable.
Coffee is great, but right now it is too hot to drink hot coffee, so I am also grateful for milk that cools my coffee.
The thing I am most thankful for is my laptop. I use it for everything.
My blessing today is a few hours of relaxation/fishing at the lake, and a very refreshing post on a certain blog.
I disagree. Hot coffee can be drank at any time of the year. You just have to do it at the right time of day. Early morning or late at night:)
Sometimes we forget to glorify God in the times of hardship. The days of comfort may be over temporarily, but we'll have eternity with Him. I'll exchange years of pain for that.
Something I am so grateful for today is my amazing family. I've been away for a week, and it is so good to come home to the people I love! They are truly blessings from God!
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