Thanks-living

My inclination for writing has diminished in the past few weeks as the priorities of life have become more complicated, but I would feel foolish if I did not stop to acknowledge the opportunity we have had to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The emphasis on shopping, Black Friday, and stores that did not even close on Thanksgiving Day have saddened me, as it seems the theme is more on "getting" than "giving".  Yet, an even more important thought has enveloped me today.  Our church website used the term "thanks-living", and I believe that idea is even more important than celebrating thanks on just one day of the year.  No matter our situation, we can always find something for which to be thankful.  We will even make ourselves feel better when we count our blessings.

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving." Psalms 95:2

It's as simple (and important) as that!

My Way

Frank Sinatra famously sung "I did it my way", but he wasn't the only one who lived that way.  Even though I know better, I find myself asking God for help or wisdom only after I've started messing things up by myself.  Although I'd more likely describe myself as humble rather than proud, I realize that it must be pride to act like my way is better than God's way.  The result is not pretty.

Oh Lord, I fail so easily, but You never do.  Forgive me please, and make me a vessel of your beauty, strength, and usefulness.

Simple Pleasures

The challenges of my days lately have served only to make me appreciate what I have more.  A few days have ended with so much more fatigue than I care to endure; I have a very comfortable bed, pillows, and blankets that take away any complaint I might register.  The weather is getting so much colder; I don't appreciate that, but I have plenty of warm clothes, and a house that I can heat to a comfort zone.  I've gotten hungry a few times; I have many choices of food in my kitchen, a refrigerator to keep things cold and fresh, and a stove, microwave, and toaster oven plus a variety of appliances to help prepare food.  I have dirty dishes every day, but I can wash them easily.  That it, usually I can wash them easily.  We have had a leaky pipe, on a week-end when replacement parts were not available, so we've had to turn off the main water supply.  All the blessings in my life make it impossible for me to grumble about that.  Also, now I can say, I don't have to wash dishes!

Somewhere I heard that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown.  Remember then, to smile is taking the easy way out!