No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Challenge]
Being Grateful
You may be asking yourself, “what do I have to be grateful for?” That is a question with several possible outcomes. Is there “something” or “someone” who comes to mind whom you would very much enjoy saying “thank you”?
Have you “learned” anything at all lately? Maybe that is worth showing some gratitude. Have you finished a project this year that makes you want to just celebrate? Satisfaction may come from so many different places. Maybe we should begin pondering?
Before digging further in to the topic, would you consider the possibility of making a quick list of the “top 10” things which come to mind “right now”. Perhaps something which happened today, yesterday, last week, last month, etc. If you are currently drawing a blank, keep reading for a list of possibilities…
God
Our Awesome Heavenly Father has given you “life” and “breath” (not too shabby, right?) The Administrator over every single thing has even provided a beautiful place for living, Planet Earth. He manages all of His creation, including “you”. Our Creator and Sustainer is so interested in your life. He loves you!
The Son of God, our Lord Jesus, offered His blood to cleanse each of us from our sins and redeem us back to God. Wow, if that is not something for which to be grateful. Feeling God’s love and grace and mercy is nothing short of awesome.
The Holy Spirit offers us a sense of comfort, encouragement, guidance, and direction. While residing within each of God’s children, He shows us the right path to follow. Though we may struggle and even stumble and fall, our God is ever present to pick us back up.
People
You have so many people who regularly express some sort of feeling toward you, hopefully more positive than negative. Starting with family and friends, who would you add to your “top 10” list? Perhaps today would be a good time to send a quick note of thanks to the first living person who comes to mind. Let them know why you are grateful.
Another group of individuals to whom you may wish to show some gratitude would be within your community. This could include neighbors who watch your home whenever you have to be away. Even those whom attend the same local church could be worth your time of saying thanks.
This may sound a little crazy, but what about the people who drive you nearly insane? Perhaps you are thinking of “one individual” who has brought out the “best” or even “worst” from you. Ultimately this annoying person has helped developed you in to the person whom you have come to be today. I understand if you decide “not” to send this one a “thank you” note.
Resources
If you are still developing your “top 10” list of things for which to be grateful, let us consider the place you call home. How about the transportation which makes certain you arrive at those important destinations? And how about food and clothing which keep your tummy satisfied and your body covered?
Are you currently enjoying a place of vocation, earning a living to keep those bills paid? Or, volunteer work offering your time and support for something of interest to you. You probably should be feeling good about the positive results you produce, leaning on your knowledge and expertise. How about hobbies or other fun things enjoyed on your day off?
Lastly (and highly worth adding to your list), having relatively good health. Even if that only implies you being in your “right mind”. Or, even having a state of consciousness or awareness of your surroundings. May we always enjoy the incredible provisions from our Loving God, and keep a sense of “gratitude” (and willingness to say “thanks” to those around us).
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)