Today I heard some sad news which reminded me, once again, of how precious and fragile life is, and how fleeting it can be, as well. There is no way to understand the unfathomable; I gave up trying a long time ago. But it is human nature, I think, to look for something positive, or at least useful, that we can take away from each experience. For me, that something is often gratitude.
A couple of years ago, I was asked to write a devotion for a booklet my church was publishing. I was one of many, and I'm sure my offering wasn't the most inspiring. But I thought of it today, and pulled it out to reread, to see if I could glean something from it. I offer it here, in case the words help someone else to make sense of something senseless in their own lives.
--------------------
In Jeremiah 29:11, (NIV) God promises, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” This verse came to me at one of the most difficult times of my life, when I could see nothing ahead but confusion and uncertainty, where the very foundation of my life was shaken, and I labored in darkness and despair. As I do so often, I was questioning God’s love and intent for me, and He provided me an answer with this verse of hope and promise. This is God’s covenant with us, a direct promise, not just to special people, or even the world generally, but to each person. This promise is the foundation for my life of gratitude.
For me, living with gratitude is not about the big stuff in my life, it is a way of being; it is walking in God’s will in all things, and allowing Him to fulfill the promise He has made to me to prosper me, provide for me, and give me all I need. When I allow God to work His will in my life, I am filled with abundant reason to be grateful, because that is His promise.
To quote one of my favorite movies, You’ve Got Mail, “I lead a small life. Valuable, but small.” In our acquisitive and materialistic secular culture, living a small life is associated with a lack of success, and most people would resent being characterized that way. However, I do, indeed, have what most people would probably consider to be a small life, and with it, small blessings. I am also fortunate enough to know it is those same small blessings that change my life, that determine the difference between a good day and a bad one, that humble and strengthen and give hope. It is small blessings that are the building blocks of my faith, and so, I suspect, it is with most people.
I encourage you to recognize and embrace the small blessings of your life, to walk in God’s will with gratitude, and to allow Him the opportunity to fulfill His covenant with you to prosper you and give you the future He has planned for you.
Wishing you a life of gratitude and peace.
