Living in our "padded pews" as my dad says, we really have no clue how much we have to be thankful for. Not only our very life and breath,the classic examples of family and friends, and daily necessities; but all the random little things no one knows or considers why we even have.
First off, I'm thankful for my family. Simply having had, and continuing to have, their unconditional love throughout every stage of my life blows my mind. God has so greatly blessed me with such a strong Christian family that has raised me in not just an awareness, but a love and a preoccupation with the gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thinking about the kids growing up in families where they simply don't care, hurts my heart and opens my mind to how much I truly am blessed.
Second, I am thankful for my friends; old, new, out of touch, and haven't met yet. I'm thankful for the chance God has given me to not just have companionship, but a chance to influence, affect, and help those around me.
Third, I am thankful for school; stress included. I love school, I'm a nerdy little perfectionist, over achiever; and prooouud of it. I'm thankful for the ability to learn. I'm thankful for the lessons I learn not just in academics, but in life, as I learn to deal with little problems that are preparing me for bigger ones.
Fourth, I am thankful for the trials God sends us all; the big life changing ones, and the everyday annoyances. I'm thankful for the lessons He teaches us through them. The strength He gives us for every day, including patience to endure them.
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Finally, and most importantly, I'm thankful that He has saved me and that I live to praise Him. In the dark days, His light is always shining. In the fire, He is water; in the storm, He is peace; in weakness, He is strength; in pain, He is relief. My God is good.
"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining; in love even when I am alone; and in God even when He is silent" -Found scratched into a wall in a Nazi concentration camp.
Overall, I believe that most of the fickle little "problems" we encounter in everyday life would disappear if we truly lived in the light of the cross. We painted that phrase on the ceiling above my bed. Because if we do? To live is Christ, and to die is gain. And that's all. By being content with Christ, we are saying to ourselves, to God, and to the world that our God is enough. That is what brings God glory, and that is the epitome of living to glorify God. Nothing else can touch us if we live in light of the fact that we are not our own. We are bought with a price, we are slaves to righteousness, and yet we are beloved children of the most high God. Every time we choose to let go of the little things, and praise His name, we show a lost and broken world a God who saves.
"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." -1 John 4:4
Who are we to live in a spirit of fear?
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." -2 Timothy 1:7
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." -Proverbs 29:25
We are empowered by the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave everything so that we could have peace and fellowship with Him. I love the Holidays, for many reasons. Cold weather, mugs of hot cocoa, fuzzy socks (and purple leopard pajama pants thanks to my amazing big brother) Christmas music, baking cookies, and family; but, I also love the Holidays because they make us stop and think about how much we have been given. This time offers a chance to take a step back, and redirect our lives to the one and only purpose that consumes all those who are in Christ. Once again this year I am rededicating my life to seek, find and follow with my whole heart, the Mighty Creator, Prince of Peace, Jehovah Jireh, Savior King, Yahweh, Everlasting Father, and Friend.
I love you Lord, and I seek to give all that I am, to all that I know You are.
In Christ Alone
Amy
