The Bible tells us that our enemies are (1) the world, (2) the flesh, and (3) the devil. I think I mostly fight with my own flesh, my will, and my expectations. Unfortunately, that means I can be really selfish - I assess things as they affect me and my plans only. I get jealous, frustrated, and anxious pretty easily. Some might say I'm also pessimistic - but I prefer to call it "being realistic". I hate disappointments, and I don't get over them quickly. It is something I work on in myself and in my children. I figure if they can learn to have a joyful spirit even in disappointment as children, perhaps they won't the difficult journey I have had in constantly fixing my attitude as my expectations aren't met. I find that if I'm THANKFUL and dwell on what I have and count my blessings that I don't feel so slighted by life, and my unrequited wishes aren't so important after all.
In an attempt to help myself enjoy this week of Spring Break with thankfulness and joy, I am going to dwell on the blessing I have, to remember how much I have been given, and how many privileges I've been allowed to have. What a wonderful way to enjoy the week ahead!
Today I am thankful for:
The Word of God. Our pastor is working on a series about the Bible and its origins. I had the privilege of typing his notes so I've already read his outlines and been able to think about the facts that he has given. The Word has been perfectly preserved through the ages like probably no other document! It is an amazing, living Book. It is as relevant today as it was when the inspired authors were given its words straight from the breath of God (inspired = "God breathed", II Timothy 3:16).
On a less "spiritual" list of my blessings today, I am thankful for spontaneous tea parties with my daughter.
I am thankful for a new season. Friday is the first day of Spring!! Hopefully sunnier days and warmer weather will cheer us all up! :) Spring flowers are coming - even though I forgot to plant my bulbs last fall - but I do have hopes of a lilac bush by my front door blooming.
(the tulips that grace my dining room table are obviously fake - but they do cheer me up!)
I am thankful when my children get along. We had an unexpected visitor to our tea party! Andrew joined us, and we all adopted ridiculous accents. I was the German, Andrew was the Brit, and Anna was -- well -- Anna, which is funny enough. What a jolly Tea Time!
What are YOU thankful for today?
1 comments:
I enjoyed the blog especially today. I have been on the verge of my very own pity party lately. Friday was an awful day at therapy and I had a huge setback. It took every ounce of my being to hold off the tears until I left. I have spent a lot of time this weekend trying to find reasons to be thankful for this painful shoulder I have. On Sunday we had a missionary that talked about how God's greatest strengths are found in our greatest weakness. It was just what I needed.
Well, enjoy your Spring Break. I look forward to reading more.
Your Friend,
Tami
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