Sometimes when anxiety sets in about bills, to-do lists, or perplexing life problems I stop and whisper a simple “thank you.” While sipping on an americano with a friend at my kitchen table yesterday morning I was reminded of how Jesus has met our physical, financial, and most intimate needs this past year. Miracle after miracle kept rising to the surface of my heart as I began to describe how good he has been, and how he has given me living proof of his faithfulness that I can cling to. After she left I pulled out my journal wrote down each and every instance I could remember where he left me speechless, in awe of his kindness and generosity to my family. All I could do was whisper, “thank you” as tears trickled off my chin and onto my journal.
This journal is the keeper of all my prayers and dreams.
He’s good. He’s so good.
Anne Lamott in her book “Help, Thanks, Wow” says,
“Gratitude begins in our hearts and then dovetails into behavior. It almost always makes you willing to be of service, which is where the joy resides. It means that you are willing to stop being such a jerk. When you are aware of all that has been given to you, in your lifetime and the past few days, it is hard not to be humbled, and pleased to give back.”
I have to agree. When you acknowledge how good God is, how he meets you when you call on him, its not difficult to extend a hand to those in need understanding you to have been in a desperate and dire situation where only Jesus could meet you.
Don’t let time pass without a simple “thank you.” It will quiet your heart and remind you of all he has done.
When our hearts and minds are set on Jesus we can find the sweets in the most bitter of times. Truly, I mean it.
