The Giving of Thanks

There is always reason to give thanks, and to be filled with joy. Even in the midst of difficult times and trials. 

Gratitude isn't only a celebration

when good things happen.

It's a declaration that God is good

no matter what happens.

(Ann Voskamp)

I know this, and I am one to practice the giving of thanks ... continually, in my journal. Every day. But I have slowed down with it to a degree, forgetting it's importance. And in reality, sometimes drifting to focusing on the hard things more than on the giving of thanks. Maybe even thinking that the difficult situations need to be taken care of before there is true, whole-hearted giving of thanks. But I need to be continually reminded ...

Give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

(I Thess. 5:18 ESV)

For as we lift our eyes from our circumstances, whether they be good or hard ... and we give thanks, we lift our eyes to Him. And we find that His love, His mercy, His faithfulness, is always waiting for us. Each day. Each morning. Never ending love and mercy.

For even in hard times, and especially in hard times -

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

His mercies never cease.

Great is His faithfulness;

His mercies begin afresh each morning.

(Lamentations 3:22-23)

From my journal from this past week, a glimpse into a few of my thank-you's ...

Thank You for beautiful weather - for both meals out on the patio one day.

Thank You for help from the SEND office in Japan with my father's affairs.

Thank You for a new menu planning system.

Thank You for reminders to just rest.

Thank You for a date set for kidney transplant (for our granddaughter).

Thank You that we can trust You with all the details of transplant.

Thank You for the timing of transplant.

Thank You for drinking Your cup (of suffering), so that my cup could overflow.

Thank You for being willing to be deserted (at the cross), so I would never be alone.

If you don't slow to count the gifts in the moments,

God in the moments -

when exactly will you taste and see that the Lord is good?

The losing of every battle begins when there is no time to taste 

and see and savor that the Lord is good.

(Ann Voskamp)

Lord, may I never lose my sight of giving thanks, of slowing to see Your gifts. On the good days, and especially in the hard times. Help me to keep my eyes open each day, watching for Your love, Your mercies, and Your gifts to me.

Linking up with:

Coffee for Your Heart