I say, "Thank you God!" There are people on this planet who have never even had electricity in their home (I've seen many in Egypt, Haiti, & Mexico). I am so grateful for good health, electricity, food, and a roof over my head. I'm grateful for the breath in these lungs, a new day, and a caring community. I am so grateful for the good people who try to help us including scientists, researchers, leaders, doctors, nurses, pastors, neighbors, the military, the grocery deliverer, the take-out option, the product deliverer, the technology genius, the teacher, the giver, the unknown hero. I am grateful for peace in the storm. I'm so grateful for hope in the night. I thank God for wisdom and grace. I am so grateful God is my shelter and my leader. He is my source, my all.There are many things we still can do in the face of any situation. Let's choose to be grateful! "People who experience gratitude cope better with stress, recover more quickly from illness, and enjoy more robust physical health, including lower blood pressure and better immune function." - Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. The beauty of being more grateful is: it is not only good for others, but also good for us too. Let's choose to care. Maybe we don't have the answers or resources to solve a friend or neighbor's problem, but we can be there (via technology or porch drop-off) to share hope, pray to the God of all answers, and show we care. We can make good choices, changes, and be responsible now which will positively impact ourselves and others for good. "Response-ability is the ABILITY to choose our response to any circumstance or condition," - Stephen Covey. Let's choose to be wise! How can we grow in wisdom? The book of Proverbs in the Bible shows us we grow in wisdom by obedient devotion to God (healthy fear of God).
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things," Philippians 4:8. Today we have so many choices. “Everything begins with a decision. Then, we have to manage that decision for the rest of our lives,” -We can choose to let God be the God of our minds, our heart, our words, our actions, our lives. Ultimately He lets us choose Him and He is still God regardless of our choice.
The Bible in Isaiah 55:6-9 says:
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
If you need to make things right with God, now is a great time! You can pray this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins. I choose to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You God for sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place so I can live with You. You get first place in my life. I ask You and by faith, I receive the miracle of new life and freedom in You Jesus Christ. Lord, You are real, You are with me, You are for me, and You are my God. Amen.
*If you or someone you know just prayed that prayer, let us know in the blog comments so we can help you grow in your relationship with God. 💬
This is so inspiring and so true!! Last night, our 12 year old wanted to sleep on the floor in our bedroom because the uncertainty of our day to day lives is causing her anxiety and fear. While I wanted so much for her to sleep in her own bed, I couldn't help but to be grateful that she felt safe near us. She knows we will protect her and take care of her just like I know our Father is protecting us and taking care of us. I definitely feel better after a quick reflection on all the things for which I am grateful. The gratitude meditation I practice says, "Feeling entitled to anything robs us of the JOY of being grateful." I choose gratitude and joy today! Great article! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Your parenting perspective is so inspiring and healthy. Yes, we choose gratitude & joy! Will be praying for your 12 y.o.
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