Ever wish you could "uncomplicate", discombobulate and
throw away clutter that seems to have complicated far too much in your life?
Things that make it way more complicated than I ever would have wanted to.
Honestly, who really intends to complicate their lives saying, "This will
cause chaos, perfect". No often times we think the opposite. We conjure up
and discover remedies for the chaos that rises with earthly living. Becoming
weighed down with school loans, bills, rent and investments. We find better
ways to communicate more quickly and more efficiently with smart phones, Cars,
tablets and computers. More and more these ways to connect us, in a way,
disconnect us from each other.
As I was sitting in my living room pulling
together financial applications for overwhelming student loans, I was staring
at papers in front of my computer screen. In a numb state I looked up and
realized my screen saver was on. There were pictures coming and going,
different parts of my life. College, countless seasons in California, South
Africa and bike rides. I sat back and watched. From where I was to where God
brought me up to this very day. As I sat there I couldn't help but smirk. This
is where God has brought me. And with Him I can only guarantee that He will
bring me even higher.
Suddenly I sat there and was thankful, thankful
for struggles, hardship and setbacks. Every single thing has brought me to
where I am. From that living room, thanksgiving flowed, being reminded of those
who were also in those pictures sharing in sacrifice, need and growth. One of
the hardest things that we can face individually and as a community is the task
of thanksgiving. It is harder to be thankful in times of hardship or trial, but
even more so I have been trying to be more thankful not only in the hard
but also in the good blessed things.
Recently I read a book that I would highly
recommend to anyone, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. Her writing
has caused many walls to fall within my heart and new perspective gained on the
true presence of God daily. Thanksgiving has helped to refocus my eyes with the
divine surprise of His glory, stealing our breath in these Redwood trees, words
from a coworker that were really needed. Or even student loan forgiveness
applications. It is all a part of where I am right now. And for all of it, I am
thankful.
I pray that each of you would take a moment or several to sit back
and take a look at the reel of your past and reflect upon Gods seeking for you.
That you are hoping for tomorrow while living presently in today. Thanking our
Heavenly Father for where we are, who we are and what He's been doing to
continue the process and path within us and around us. I have heard in the past
that the most powerful weapon is praise and thanksgiving. What are you thankful
for?
Give thanks in
all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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