I truly thought I had been 'thankful' for most of my life. Even when I was self-destructing I could find so many things to be thankful for. I was thankful.... right?!
Maybe I was.... but this 'giving thanks' feels different.
I had no idea how significantly I would be changed through this process. This process of making lists; lists of things I am 'Giving Thanks' for.
I will not try to summarize the message of this book - I would surely get it wrong. I encourage you to grab a copy for yourself and explore this concept of grace, gifts and mercy. I want to offer one disclaimer on this book ; should any of you decide to join us in this journey. The language is unusually poetic and slightly hard to follow at times. PLEASE do not allow her language style to distract you from her beautiful message.
I'm starting my list of one thousand gifts.... I'd love for you to join me.
1. Space heaters
2. A sense of humor regarding said space heater since it is April Third.
3. A quiet office.
4. Books that guide me away from my selfishness and closer to a heart of Christ.
5. Friends that challenge me to 'give thanks' with no agenda other than love
6. Technology
1. Toys scattered around the floor (so thankful for the one who scatters them!)
ReplyDelete2. the unconditional love of 3 precious dogs
3. candles lit during quiet time
4. continual forgiveness from the one who suffered much
5. a day in our pajamas
6. warm sunshine
7. first flowers blooming in spring
8. surprise jobs that make ends meet
9. friends with blogs :)
10. the smell of downy from the dryer vent
1,000 Gifts; page 161 (I wish I could type the entire section... this is more powerful when put in the context of her holding her own child who falls asleep on her at the dinner table, but it is also powerful enough on its own. I see the word "fear" used here as worry, anxiety etc...)
ReplyDelete"All fear is but the notion that God's love ends. Did you think I end, that My bread warehouses are limited, that I will not be enough? But I am infinite, child. What can end in Me? Can life end in Me? Can happiness? Can peace? Or anything you need? Doesn't your Father always give you what you need? I am the Bread of Life and my bread for you will never end. Fear thinks God is finite and fear believes that there is not going to be enough and hasn't counted 1,000 gifts, endlessly counting gifts, exposed the lie at the heart of all fear? In Me, blessings never end because My love for you never ends. If my goodness toward you ends, I will cease to exist, child. As long as there is a God in heaven, there is grace on earth and I am the spilling God of the uncontainable, forever-overflowing-love-grace.
I love you so much girl!
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