We see life through our own set of eyes (have you thanked Him for yours?). My eyes are focused on capturing moments of beauty in nature. That's how He wired me...to stop,look, and listen for Him in the ordinary. The tiniest of flowers breaking through the debris covered ground often gets ignored and walked past... or walked on.. by some with their eyes fixed on the next thing to do and place to be. For me, my gaze is most often downward - partly because I'm not real sure footed so I'm always watching where I walk. But it's in that eyes down position that I see the tiniest of flowers amidst the debris and I marvel at how something so small could push through all that dirt and debris, only to look up in praise to God for a brief season... and then vanish away. It's that moment that whispers to my heart with a holy hush and I respond softly, "Thank You."
To live a thanks filled life is to live a life that sees God's hand in every breath I take. A thankful life sees the blessings and simple pleasures of a gentle breeze or watching birds collect their bounty in their beaks.
It's being thankful I can ride in an air conditioned car on a hot summer's day.
It's being thankful for having a washing machine of my own so I don't have to go to the laundry mat or wash along the water's edge like so many women around the world.
It's a simple life of reflecting on one verse of Scripture at a time and enjoying the richness and reward of its every word. How often have I raced through a passage just so I could check off having my "quiet time" this morning from the to-do list? His Word is a treasure trove of wisdom that will yield wealth and reward in a whole new dimension.
When I consider the word wealth, I tend to think of material wealth, of having money and possessions. But what about having a wealthy spirit? Do I allow each word from his Word to fill me so my spirit is overflowing and spilling out upon those around me? Do I mull on the treasures hidden in each verse?
Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy;
in Thy right hand are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:11
I'm indeed a blessed woman. I have much to be thankful for when I choose to see life through the eyes of gratitude.
How has He blessed you today?
Lord, give me eyes to see your hand of blessing in my life. Help me to recognize that your blessings to me aren't necessarily in adding things to my life, but rather it's found in your nearness. Help me to live a thankful life, a life of gratitude and contentment even if all I have left in this world is You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, is kick off for a wonderful Link Up called Thankful Thursday. The meme was started 8 years ago by my friend, Iris. A year ago she had to let it go. I'm excited and honored to be able to start this wonderful community. Thankful Thursday will have it's own page on my website. (Click the link to read more about it.) This link up is a way to link blogs and hearts through gratitude. Please come and help me in forming a new community of thankful people.