Ever So Thankful

We are regularly thankful for the "easy" things (the in-the-moment items), we can be reminded to be thankful for the "forgotten" things (things we take for granted)... but how many can say that you've expressed your thanks to God and to others in your life for the silver linings... the blessings that come from "pain"? Praise God through the pain, through the trial, through the fire.

Our pastor gave us homework to do this week: list the easy & the forgotten stuff, look for the thankful moments in the painful circumstances... and then ACT on them. Say thanks to those that have been a part of your reasons for being grateful.

Today, I'm thankful for chickens that provide food & enjoyment for my family, a new cat that gives me something to care for, money to pay bills nearing their due dates, shelter & comfort that I overlook daily. I have grown into the pain of my stroke, and I am so grateful that I suffer through what is considered minor "aftershocks". I walk. I talk. I eat. I breath. All of these things I am thankful for. 

The trial of my son's ADHD... I have not come to grips with the silver lining of this yet. I am thankful that it means he is an extremely intelligent being, and I am enormously grateful to the Lord who gave him a wonderful disposition. So many other boys with this illness are aggressive & combative. My son can be argumentative, but he is soft-hearted and empathetic.

God, thank you most of all for my husband, who held me up to you during the most painful parts of our lives together. He has been strength when my own has failed. He guided me back to you when I wandered. He grounds me. Thank you.

Let's call it... My Sabbatical

In my bible devotional today, I realized why I am on my current journey... what I'm now calling My Sabbatical. Webster defines "sabbatical" as a break or change from normal routine; leave. Hebrews 4 (Holy Bible, NIV) describes a day of rest according to God's own example, what we refer to as the Sabbath. I realized that (one of) His intent for my Sabbatical is to find, learn & grow my faith. Not just to rest, but rest in Him.

As I worked my way towards this period of time, I was looking most forward to removing the stress and tension that my employment caused me. Now, I see that I should have been (and will be) looking forward to spending time with Him, and my family. Seeking His Word today, my eyes gravitated toward this passage.

Hebrews 4:10 "For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His."

Though I know that I still have work to do... the laundry doesn't "do" itself, I know that I rest from my previous job, and I will seek solace and peace in Him who is mighty and Good. Today, I pray that you will seek Him in your resting period, whether it is a moment, an hour or the entire day.