This week has caused me to re-evaluate my view of thankfulness. So often, there is a constant challenge to be thankful. We can be so distracted by what is going on around us that we take things for granted.
The idea of not being thankful really begins to expose the idea of our selfishness. I don't like to admit that I am selfish. My heart consistently shows just how much I tend to push away from the Lord and believe that I have reached a point of "deserving." Ultimately, that is what selfishness is all about. We believe that we are "deserving" (or better defined as entitlement). Both of these terms cause so much demise in our daily lives. So, I would like to start a list of things that I am thankful for. If you would like to add to this list for yourself, just add a comment. Things that I am thankful for: 1- My God and Savior: for all that He has done to show and share with me His love for me. He has so graciously blessed me beyond what I should have ever expected! 2) My wife: as they say, "I married up!" :-) She definitely completes me as my other half. I appreciate how the Lord has brought us together that we can challenge each other in all aspects of each other's life. 3) My children: they inspire me to be a better father and husband. They each are used by God in my sanctification. As others have said, "They constantly reflect my inadequacies." But they bring joy into my life above everything. They are the first to challenge my faith in my ability to communicate in a way that a child can grasp. 4) My local church: it is like any true relationship (filled with many joys along with frustrations). I have been challenged in many different ways in my faith and knowledge in the Lord to which I am very thankful! 5) My extended family: they are a great foundation for my family. Without them, we can experience loneliness. Knowing that they are there, we have a confidence of people that love us and we know that we can rely on them. 6) My International Friends- God has created a warm spot in our hearts for our international friends. They are constantly teaching us about God's creativity in mankind. To learn about different cultures shows us how God reveals Himself. Although is shows us God's diversity, it shows us just as well mankind's common problems no matter their culture. 7) ??? (Your turn)
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AuthorDennis Runner- a witness, a follower, a student, and a lump of clay in the hands of my God and Savior. Archives
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