Today I watched a sneak peek on You tube of the first video of Ann Voskamp's Bible study on 1000 gifts. I've read the book, and this year I've been counting my gifts along with her Joy Dare. I can't describe how Ann's quiet and calm spirit settle me... I could sit and listen to her talk all day long.
She talks mainly about gratitude and looking for the gifts in the hard times. Today, in the session, she talked about King Jehosophat and how his winning battle plan was one of praise (is anyone seeing a theme here? Seems like I have something to learn from old King Jehosophat.). She quoted the verse that I have loved... which I knew was in Psalms, but I had forgotten was in 2 Chronicles 20. "Give thanks to the Lord. His love endures forever." And to add the verses from Psalms, "Give thanks the the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."
Oh, He is good. He's good because tonight I sat next to my 82 year old grandpa and cheered on TO. I got a couple of smiles when I knew why the ref threw the flag. I think he was kind of impressed. I saw him pat my Mom's back a couple of times and he clapped as we scored a touchdown. Surrounded by family, my heart overflows...
and He is good as I soak in a bubble bath, reading a mindless novel even though my to do list is a mile long. He is good because there is rest for the weary. He is good because of peace in times of chaos.
He is good as I sit and listen to Kami tell a story, and she's excited and her smile is big and she is just so beautiful. He is good because she's at UK and she's thriving and kids grow up and they do well... because He is good.
He is good as Caleb holds a newborn baby, as he loves him and is surrounded by love. He is good because He loves us as a Heavenly father... as much as I love Caleb, He loves him so much more.
He is good because I have a car to drive and a bed to lay in at night and a house with a warm heater...
But even if I didn't have all of these things, He'd still be good. Because He is... the great I Am. He's enough, El Shaddai. He's my strong tower, my shield, my strength, my song... He is. Even when I am not... especially when I am not.
1000 gifts... I'm in the 800s, doing 3 a day. Next year, good Lord's willing, I'm going to see how fast I can break 1000. I'm betting it won't take me long. And if I lose my perception of gratitude, as I did earlier today, may He open my eyes... because He. Is. Good.
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