I really enjoy this special time of year to pause and reflect upon our many blessings. It is my favorite holiday.
I get so busy during the year. I now have a smart phone, tablet and a laptop. All are beeping for my attention. If I am not careful, I find myself with very little quiet time to consider what is important. In our culture, one has to be purposeful about disconnecting to spend time reflecting upon our blessings.
As I think back about the good, and not so good, happenings for the past year, I realize it was all good. Some of the happenings in my life, at the time, were painful or discomfortable. But they turned out to be good for me. I learn very well through mistakes and hard knocks.
Just recently I answered my cell phone inappropriately. Lets be honest – I answered it rudely. I thought it was a salesperson. Turns out the caller was someone very important and from whom I was seeking counsel. The conversation did not go well. Actually, the conversation ended when I first opened my mouth. We awkwardly decided to end the call. I was devastated. I had invested much to have this conversation. I apologized and sought forgiveness. The person was gracious enough to forgive me and the project has moved forward.
What was initially a selfish act that immediately became painful has turned into a great lesson. I was convicted in how I treated certain callers. If I am going to answer my phone, I need to be courteous regardless of the circumstances and the caller. Even if the caller is a salesperson.
I pray that you have time this week to pause and reflect upon the year, the good and not so good. For God has a plan for each of us. For that I am most grateful. May our focus of thanksgiving be towards Jesus, who fulfilled His plan for us perfectly.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
