I am reminded of something I read last fall that has stuck with me –
“Waiting till you’re happy before you give thanks, is like waiting to be healthy before you take your vitamins. Vitamins are what make you healthy. Giving thanks is what makes you happy. Giving thanks is the way we awaken to the presence of God all around us and only in His presence is fullness of joy. Giving thanks is what gets you joy.
“It’s taking me a lifetime to get it:
Joy isn’t a function of what happens.
Joy is a function of what I think.
Joy is a function of how I thank.” –Ann Voskamp aholyexperience.com
It’s one thing to deal with pain that I know will go away. Recurring pain is something else! I’m in the middle of a nasty ‘flare-up’, wondering when things will get back to ‘normal’ again and longing to have endless energy for all that I need to accomplish this week.
I feel helpless and ‘locked-in’ because I have no control over when these pain-seasons come or go. I have much to do this week (did I say that already?), fun projects I’ve been looking forward to delve into for a long time, as well as detailed plans to be the best hostess to dear friends visiting us from ‘far-off lands’.
I woke up thinking about everything that is wrong with the picture this morning. I found myself slowly pulled to the ‘dark side’ as I lingered, making my list of complaints.
I snapped out of it when I remembered something I had read recently: “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me.”–Psalm 50:23a.
to honor (verb): a showing of usually merited respect : recognition
There is always something to be thankful for and it is important to be thankful even when we don’t feel like it. And offering that up to God is the best way of saying I acknowledge who He is.
I then intentionally chose to list out things I am grateful for today. The work ‘intentional’ is important here because this does not seem to flow naturally on days like this. I’m relying on my Creator and on discipline to open that door to gratitude and joy for me.
A ‘sacrifice’ of thanksgiving.
I’m grateful I have freedom to work from home, in familiar surroundings, in comfort;
for the love-of-my-life who is constant in his love and understanding;
for the gift of a much needed computer for a friend who deserves it;
for every dear friend that has called, facebooked or texted this week;
for things that do get accomplished, like the special meal I fixed last night;
and all the creative sketches that got done this week;
for God’s patience and humor as He listens to my rambling and holds my heart;
for the acceptance I feel from Him,
for the confidence that comes from knowing I am loved;
for hope;
most of all knowing that there is always hope!
I am hopeful that I will emerge from this season transformed.
Thanksgiving breaks the chains of despair, and opens the door to endless hope.
~shini abraham, ©2013, duco divina – contemplative doodling
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