“Lion on a leash." That is what Ann Voskamp calls Satan in her book One Thousand Gifts. I first heard of her through her blog where I saw her list. Her ongoing list of things to be thankful for. So I started one too. Now and then I remember the list and I meditate on the little and the big things in my life that I can be thankful for and jot them down. I recently started reading her book and was reminded that a life fully lived is not just thankful in the moments of wiggly baby toes, morning grass adorned with dew drops, and ice cream cones. I thought I knew this. Yes...of course we are to be thankful in all things. God uses all things for our good (Romans
Yet when it happens, what do I do? Do I pout? Often I do. Don’t get me wrong. There are times when hard things have happened and I have felt the blanket of the Lord wrap around me and hold me while I mourned and He never gave me a chance to pout. Then there are times where something minor happens that throws me for a loop and I’m pouting and wondering “why me?” as if I should be living a life free of hurt. That wouldn’t be a full life though. Life in itself is full of so many different experiences and how we deal
with them is up to us. When the bad comes am I thankful that though Satan is a fierce lion, he is still on a leash? No matter how much he tries, he can only
roar and perhaps scratch me from time to time, but his leash keeps him from
devouring what belongs to Christ. Am I thankful for the chance to grow closer to and stronger in Jesus? Allow me to continue my list here, finding something to be thankful for in a few of the harder things....
81.
Entangled in someone’s gossip....reminds me to hold my own tongue
82.
Friend claims to no longer believe in God.....my own assurance of faith is challenged and now stronger than ever
83.
Miscarriage.....chance to experience the Love and comfort of Jesus in a new amazing way
84.
Death of family friend...... thankful for time w/ her, reminder that life here is but a breath
85.
Whining children...reminded that I must sound that way to God sometimes
86.
Situation not going my way.....chance to break free from selfishness
87.
Exhausted..... this means that I have a life blessed with good things and people to wear me out
88.
Never ending to do list.... opportunity to serve
89.
Lonely times....moments to just be with the Lord
90.
The unknown.... the adventure.
1 comment:
Melisa, thank you for baring your soul....at least some of it. I kinda felt like I was reading a diary that was laid open on the kitchen table. I totally relate in so many ways! Growing in the grace and mercy of God, dealing with life's ups and downs...we really are on an incredible journey! I've been listening to Joyce Meyers podcasts on itunes (they're free) - I've really enjoyed them. Heck, they've made me laugh and cry and praise God all in the same 15min podcast. Anyway, thought I'd just put it out there. Have a great day!
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