With a Thankful Heart

Where we are now.

I came across a blog draft from August 2020. I never completed it, but I want to share it now. I am two and a half years late, but I always say, "Better late, than never."

Many times, I've mentioned how much I admired my mother's thankful heart. She is gone now, but I think of her every day. When I consider her wealth of gratitude it's easy to see that I do not possess the same degree of gratefulness. I've aspired to have such a heart, but it has remained elusive. In the past month I've been pressed upon to seek true gratitude and have recognized how I have fallen short. 

Greg and I have been in the process of moving. We left our dream home and returned our older place nearby, which is in a state of disrepair. It's been difficult. I have longed for the convenience and comfort of the home I left. There is a lot of work to be done and the cost has required sacrifice. God has blessed Greg with employment, which has provided the money needed for upgrades and repairs. But that work keeps Greg away from home and has left me with a heavier load to carry. I am reminded daily of my physical weakness, and I miss the presence of my husband. He's always been here to make sure everything that needs doing gets done. He is a man of many talents.

There have been long waits for things like new carpeting, floor tile, cabinets, and even new windows. And while I wait, I must admit to being a bit whiny some of the time. I have not been thankful.

God is speaking to me about how easily we fall into sin. I pray for contentment and gratitude, but this is a condition of the heart and not so easily resolved. I don't like what I see, but I am grateful for God's love that not only shows mercy but helps me to see the truth about myself.

1 Timothyy 4:4-5 says, "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the Word of God and prayer."

And so, the Lord has led me to reflect, and I find myself sitting at my desk this morning, counting my blessings, which are many. How can I not see when I look out the window onto a meadow where deer graze and wild birds announce the beauty of the day, and flowers shout their joy at the sun?

We all have difficulties in life, but there are also many blessings. If we allow ourselves to spiral down and are caught up in the sorrows and frustrations we will miss the beauty.

My home will be complete one day, likely soon. But if it's not, will I be able to find contentment? Yes, if I see the world through a broader spectrum and remember that the big picture is about so much more than today. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

I was soon to be reminded, in a very big way, how much I have to be thankful for. Three weeks after writing the above post the Archie Creek Fire blasted through our community. It destroyed more than a hundred homes, thousands of animals and birds, and turned our forest to char. It has not recovered, but there are signs of its future beauty. 

We lost outbuildings, tools, toys and a litany of other things, but our home withstood the barrage. It is complete now, though there was a long delay finishing and rebuilding.

I am SO THANKFUL for God's goodness and mercy.

What Was

                        

Aftermath

Recovering