“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich!” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
We may not feel like we have a lot to be thankful for.
There’s so many things we’ve missed out on this winter. So much has changed in our workplaces, our schools, and life in general. The pressures of the pandemic continue to weigh on us, and after all these months we remain wearisome with the burden.
Taking a good look at how the Lord has provided for us, reminds us that he has been good, and that he is continuing to work all around us. When we see the gift of a sweet treat delivery, joyful smiles on our kids' faces, strength in the midst of pain, or a word of encouragement, we see his hand because "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).
His good and perfect gifts aren't limited to the good seasons in life, they are also for the times of uncertainty and chaos, when life threatens to crumble around us. For we know and believe that, "the Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him" (Psalm 28:7).
As we continue to know and believe who God is, we grow in our thankfulness; for who he is, for what he has done for us in Christ, and what he continues to do in our every day.
Observing the grace of his hand at work in both our waking and restful moments strengthens our muscles of belief. With the excitement of spring upon us, here's a handful of things I'm thankful for.
1. Worshiping as communities. Slow lifting of pandemic restrictions brings new warmth to our spiritual growth, as we gather in unity again.
2. Wrestling the bikes out of the shed. There’s a new mode of transportation now getting to and from school. And, our kids have been able to continue going to school, as the safety precautions have been effective. This has been so good.
3. Pulling out the porch chairs. It’s where coffee and conversation take place. Often randomly, with young and old alike
4. Vacation planning. The deadline to submit our vacation requests at work is coming up, and with campground booking opening up in 2 weeks, it’s time to plan some summer fun!! (at least we can still travel within our province)
5. Garden plotting. Spring is a time of planning and preparation. Looking back at what we planted last year, and assessing the pantry, helps me discover what we need for the coming year. Our canning season always includes salsa, this year it will also be relish, pickles, and banana peppers.
6. A lot of voices. I love our community! With the temperatures rising more above freezing than below, all the kids have been enjoying spending more time outdoors together again; complete with band-aid interventions.
7. Returning geese. In their V-formation, honking loudly, these big birds have begun returning to the north, a sure sign spring is here. Flying together in this way ensures their endurance to cover up to 1,500 miles per day! God's creation is so amazing.
8. Health. We’ve been healthy this winter. It’s something I’ve been so grateful for, especially as we anticipate our daughter’s 4 year transplant anniversary!
9. God's faithfulness. There's no circumstance he has not foreseen, no plan of his that has been thwarted; he has remained faithful to us through this season, and he has been good.
10. Deepening Connections. The people in my life, I need them. Their encouragement, their perspective, and their counsel. Getting back together is so good!
What are you thankful for as we enter spring?