Thanksgiving is nearing and suddenly people are seeking to realize gratitude in their heart of hearts, knowing that they have taken for granted much of life this past year. I firmly raise hand with the rest, knowing that moments have passed by without my notice and gifts have been greedily consumed but not appreciated.
Constant prayers of gratitude and thankfulness, whether lifted up from heart or tongue, resounding or silent, still are deficient in recognizing the all-encompassing blessings of our lives. Our eyes are so blinded, we cannot even give proper and consistent notice to the most obvious gifts of health, wealth, food and family. How much more are we blessed than we even realize? How many gifts have we been given, without realizing them as gifts from above? Have we delved further, deeper, or are we content to simply skim the surface of the good of our lives?
Family is wonderful. Friends. Children. Homes. Food. Warmth. Shelter. Safety. These things, in and of themselves, are abundant blessings and we could lift up prayers for them all the days of our lives and STILL find ourselves taking these things for granted. Even still, these things are just the epidermis. What lies underneath? What unseen gifts are we blessed with, what blessings pass by us unnoticed?
Do the Sarai's of the world, have nothing to be thankful for? The people who are cold? Who's hunger is never satiated? What about the people who are no longer safe, but in the midst of persecution? Are their voices silent, void of thanksgiving? Are we able to find joy, are we able to lift up thankful hearts in ALL circumstances?
This month, while many are opening eyes to the daily gifts and giving thanks to the Giver in loud voices, I join with them, recognizing my shortcomings and committing myself to give God all the glory. But, not just with the things that so easily roll off my tongue in praise, but I want to find the things that I have missed. The unnoticed manna. The overlooked blessedness. I want hands dirty, digging deeply-unearthing treasures that I have stood upon without realizing them. An archaeologist, a discoverer...of blessings.
Throughout this month, I'll share my thoughts here. The surfacing artifacts. Then, perhaps, they might not be so far buried in my mind (and sparse upon my tongue) in the future.
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Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 comment:
I just stumbled across Ann Voskamp's (sp.?) blog and don't know if you already know of it, but this post and your election follow-up reminded me of her. You should join the gratitude community (or something like that; I can't remember exactly) on her blog! This post especially is an ideal fit.
We'd all do well to find those blessings buried in the earth of our unmindfulness!
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