“If you haven’t got all the things you want, be grateful for all the things you don’t have that you don’t want.” Anonymous“Thank you for the roof leak in the garage; and that we still have a roof over our heads,” we prayed as we left to drive to my mother’s for Thanksgiving. Thanking God for a misfortune that could have been worse, set the tone for what was about to befall us in just two hours.
We were not seriously injured, the air bags didn't deploy, the engine still ran, so we were thankful to drive the rest of the way to my mom's that evening.
Clearly a car accident was a misfortune, but when we focused on what we didn't have happen, it was a lot less stressful and we were more grateful.
Life happens. Are you looking at your misfortunes only? Are you considering how grateful you are that it wasn't worse? What can you be thankful for what didn’t happen, or what you didn’t get as a result of your misfortune? Lord, thank You for helping me see the good amidst the not-so-good and for the perspective to see how it could have been much worse. Amen “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 What are your thoughts? Libby
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“Maybe now is the time to offer a true sacrifice of thanksgiving, trusting that God has allowed even the worst circumstances for His unseen purposes.” Juli Slattery
The clock registered 11:20. God had answered the prayer "please take him this morning" that I’d prayed when watching him struggle for a breath. I stood, paced the room, sat on the floor, and through my tears thanked God for answering my prayer...taking Dad while still morning.
Have you had a crisis this year that you wouldn’t think could be God ordained? Can you find something to be thankful for even in the difficult times? As we approach Thanksgiving, what can you thank God for this year?
What are your thoughts?
Libby Note: Juli Slattery (19??- ), an American clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and broadcast media professional who co-hosted Focus on the Family from 2010 to 2012; she co-founded Authentic Intimacy and is the co-author of Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Lover Are You Making?, Finding the Hero In Your Husband, Beyond the Masquerade, and Guilt Free Motherhood. “It was then I learned that gratitude is the best feeling I would ever have…it is perhaps the genesis of all other really good feelings in the human repertoire.” Lewis Smedes, after almost dying
So when an acquaintance suggested I begin to keep a ‘gratitude journal’ writing at least three things I’m grateful for at the end of each day, I topped each page with: “What I learned today was…”
Or I’d think how my social life was virtually non-existent. Then I’d write, “What I’m learning is…my one year old puppy is calmer and less likely to misbehave when I spend more time with him.” After several weeks of choosing to look for the gratitude in each day, I went from what I called was a ‘half-empty’ perspective to a ‘half-full’ perspective. My life hadn’t changed much in that time, but I found myself less depressed and enjoying my days more. Do the unfortunate parts of your day come to mind first? Is your glass half-empty as opposed to half-full? How will you alter your perspective and enjoy the blessings of a grateful heart?
What are your thoughts? Libby
“The future will be made up of todays and todays, stretching out as short as now and as long as eternity.” Anonymous
What I didn’t say was, yesterday I had a great time. What I thought would take two or three hours actually took over six hours. But there’s something about helping other people that turns a busted agenda into a blessed day. Today I’ll get done what’s most important. When unexpected events take my agenda on a detour – like the task I thought would take 40 minute but took over 2 hours – I’ve discovered that it’s more likely God had something else in mind for me today.
Lord, it’s been years that I’ve said, “I desire to do Your will,” but only recently I’ve learned to take the detour and let go of my agenda and I thank You for the blessings. Amen
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, for those who are call according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 What are your thoughts? Libby |
WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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