More Thankfulness
Can one be too thankful? I think not.
Yesterday, I pulled up a chair (or rather a bed) to L.L. Barkat’s Thanksgiving feast. Today, I’m responding to my friend Steph’s challenge to list “Ten Thanksgivings.”
I could tell you about my loving family, our abundant supply of food in the cupboards, the warm coats in the closet. I could tell you about my health, my church, my freedom. But instead, I’m going to sit down and chat with God, and tell Him a few of things I love about Him most. You may eavesdrop if you like.
Hi Dad.
It’s me, Jennifer.
I don’t do this enough, do I?
I don’t tell you enough how much I love you, and how thankful I am for what You’ve done in my life. I could think of 8,435,527 things that I love about you — but today I’ll just name 10. You’ve got this thing for reading minds and all, so you know what the other ones are, too. Let me sit at your feet, just now, and tell you what’s on my heart.
1 — Thank you that nothing, nothing — not one thing — can separate me from Your love. (Romans 8:38-39)
2 — Thank you that you have a plan for me, a plan that is full of hope — not despair. (Jeremiah 29:11)
3 — Thank you that you let ordinary, half-brained folks like me take part in your plan of spreading the Good News. (Acts 4:13) Sometimes I wonder why you would do such a thing. I mean, it seems so risky! But we know that in our weakness you are very, very strong.
4 — Thank you that your Word is trustworthy. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God, remember when someone first put a Bible in my hands (of course you remember, duh) … Anyhow, I couldn’t put it down, because I was so amazed that it was more than a bunch of old stories about dead guys. I was repeatedly moved to tears that it was a story about your love for me. Will you build that passion in me for your Word once again?
6 — Like Lydia always says, “Thank you for dying on the cross for us. That would have hurt a lot.” (Colossians 1:22) How does one go about thanking you for such a thing, Jesus? I am speechless.
7 — Thank you that even when I’m speechless, you hear the call of my heart. (Romans 8:26)
8 — Thank you that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. (Hebrews 4:16) We can talk to you. I mean, we can really talk to you. Amazing.
9 — Thank you that you call a wretch like me your friend. (John 15:13-15)
10 — Thank you that my very last breath here on Earth will be followed immediately by a breath that I take right in front of you — on that day when my faith becomes sight. (John 3:16)
Thank you, thank you for all you’ve done, all you are doing and all you will do. Your love is limitless. How can I ever thank you enough?
Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made
I love you.
Your daughter, Jennifer
Wow! Blessed by your list. One of the things I love the most I would have added to #2. Just a verse or two later, we are told “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you!” When we come to him, as you just did, he LISTENS to us! Did you hear me? He listens! To us! AWESOME! Keep on bloggin’, sista!
Wow! Blessed by your list. One of the things I love the most I would have added to #2. Just a verse or two later, we are told “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you!” When we come to him, as you just did, he LISTENS to us! Did you hear me? He listens! To us! AWESOME! Keep on bloggin’, sista!
Yes YES to #4 – bring these dry bones back to life! The cry of my heart…
Hey, Sister! Thank you for reminding me that NOT ONE THING can separate me from the love of God, and that God has a plan of hope, never despair. With all the cheering at the dome and with my son’s playoff games on Saturdays, I need to remember to do my cheering for God too. Love ya’ Carol
http://carolchil.blogspot.com
Jennifer, your heartfelt “list” is so moving. He is so awesome and generous. There just aren’t words enough to say how wonderful He is. I’m thanking Him with you…
Wow! your list is awesome — Thank you so much for sharing! I am blessed to have you take up the challenge
Truly wonderful words, and from the heart. I’ve been blessed by reading this…
Thank you, all, for reading and for sharing. It was good to just sit and write to God. It had been a while since I’d done that …
Chris: Isn’t that the truth? How amazing that he doesn’t just hear us, but he listens.
Janelle: I love how you continue to let us peek in on your own spiritual growth. Your vulnerability gives others “permission” to get real, too.
Carol: Amen, sister! Let’s get those pom-pons out.
Stonefox: Thanks for stopping by. Great to “see” you here.
Steph: I appreciated your inspiration in putting this list together. I needed to do this. Really needed to do this.
Billy: Thank you. Just finished reading your trash-man story. Wow. God has really gifted you for seeing Him in the ordinary-ness of life. Very blessed to read your stuff every day.
I thank your Dad everyday for the amazing & wonderful talent he passed onto you…your entries save me…make me a better person, get me to think and reflect…praise you & bless you…so proud to call you friend & sister…
Love you!