Mar
5
Written by:
Tim Van Arsdale
3/5/2009 2:32 PM
I was enjoying a bitter buffet lunch consisting of a healthy portion of "what I don't have" along with a generous scoop of "I don't make enough money." So I called a close friend for encouragement. He says to me, "Maybe you need to spend time being thankful for what you have."
He's right.
So I sat quietly and told Jesus that for which I'm thankful. Below is my list. I don't write this list to compare myself to those less fortunate.
It's not a list stating, "Boy, I'm thankful I'm not like those people, because I'm not in their situation." I truly hope you don't get that impression. This list is my thanksgivings to my King for how He is compassionately providing for me and my family in light of all that is going on in the world today.
I'm grateful for:
- My wife. She totally loves me and I'm a jerk. She kisses me on the cheek every morning before she leaves for work even when I'm still asleep. (Someone in the world is longing for the intimate love of a spouse.)
- The strength of my wife. (Lots of people like to quote the first part of Proverbs 31 to look at the true beauty of a wife. They don't read further. Well, my wife embodies verses 17 & 18. "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.")
- My daughter. (Someone in the world is grieving today over the loss of their child.)
- My job and my wife's job. (Someone lost their job today.)
- My salary and my wife's hourly wage. It's not always a lot and I whine and stomp my feet about it. (Someone is collecting unemployment and making it stretch to somehow keep their house and keep food in the cupboard.)
- My turkey sandwich on white bread. It was my lunch today and it was delicious. (Someone in the world, heck - right here in Medina Ohio, is hungry. Just this weekend the cafe volunteers put together a bag of groceries from our pantry for a person who didn't get in a county food bank because the line was three times longer than usual.)
- My leaky roof. (Someone lost their house today. They're roofless.)
- My car and my wife's car. (Someone is walking a long distance today in search of a job or to wait in line at a food bank.)
- My personal communication device i.e cell phone. (Someone had to give up their phone today because they just can't afford it.)
- The glass of water to wash down my turkey sandwich. It was fresh, clean, cold water. (Someone in the world is desperately parched and will not make it tomorrow unless they get water.)
- My electricity. (Someone had their power shut-off today.)
- My working furnace. (Someone will be cold tonight.)
- My tools. (Someone was given wood to heat their house but they don't have an ax to split it.)
- My computer. (Someone needs to search the Internet for a job and put together a resume and they don't own a computer.)
- Toilet Paper. (Enough said.)
- Jesus. (I know...it's totally a Sunday School answer, but it's true. I'm thankful for Him. Psalm 9:1-2 reads, "I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you.")
- The chance to sit comfortably at home and watch the Cleveland Cavaliers be the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot this year. (YES!! (insert fist pump here) God is good. I had to throw that one on my list.)
What are you grateful for?
Copyright ©2009 Tim Van Arsdale
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11 comments so far...
Re: appreciation
I'm thankful I have work
By Stu on
3/5/2009 2:41 PM
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Re: appreciation
an emediate inspiration has been received, thanx for the potential growth in one of my weak areas
By lyle on
3/5/2009 3:25 PM
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Re: appreciation
I am thankful that I have acquaintances who do not show me the door when I share truth with them out of the bible. That was not always the case with me, and some people have never had people around him who would not reject him for what he said, what he did, what he thought, what he was.
By Ed on
3/5/2009 3:29 PM
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Re: appreciation
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.
I rest beneath the Almighty's shade.
My food is to do the will of Him who sends me out.
I hear the voice of the Shepherd, and I shall follow Him.
Blessed are the feet that bring the glad tidings.
And in the night, his song shall be with me.
By The guy in the parentheses on
3/5/2009 6:11 PM
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Re: appreciation
wow...thank you all for sharing.
May God cover you with His feathers, and may you find refuge under His wings; may His faithfulness (HIS FAITHFULNESS...NOT OURS) be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4)
By tim on
3/5/2009 6:44 PM
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Re: appreciation
I'm grateful that God will always mend a broken and torn heart when we finally give our whole heart to Him.
By Dawn Imig on
3/5/2009 9:33 PM
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Re: appreciation
There's a song that a friend of mine teaches in our women's bible study. The words go:
"It's amazing, what praising can do.
Halleluja, Halleluja!
It's amazing, what praising can do,
Halleluja!
I don't worry when things go wrong.
Jesus lifts my heart with this song.
It's amazing, what praising can do,
Halleluja!"
Always put me in a good mood anyway.
Keeps my focus off of self and on Him!
We all have our battles, it's all in the attitude that you look at it.
Sooooo much to be thankful for. I am very blessed, and so are all of you.
By Evelyn on
3/5/2009 10:10 PM
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Re: appreciation
Dawn:
Beautifully said. Our gracious God is in the business of mending broken and contrite hearts. Man...He is good.
Evelyn:
I was reminded today of the power behind simply giving thanks to God. Going to Him with our praise has an effect greater than asking Him for specifc needs and wants. He provides in mighty ways when we praise Him no matter what.
By Tim on
3/5/2009 11:01 PM
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Re: appreciation
Isn't it easy to find things to be thankful for when we stop to realize that everything is a gift from God....... legs, to walk, hands, to hold, eyes, to see...... pillows to put our heads on.................a hot cup of tea and a morning sunrise....... God is Good!!!!!!!
By Angy on
3/6/2009 6:30 AM
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Re: appreciation
I'm grateful that you continue to open your heart to the people in this area.
I'm really grateful that I am forgiven. My list of material comforts that I am grateful for is too long to post. I am grateful for my 4 children and loving husband - even if they days are tough. I am blessed.
I'm grateful that He continues to humble me.
By Stephanie on
3/6/2009 7:43 AM
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Re: appreciation
I am thankful for your list. It helped put my mind on straight today!
By Judy on
3/6/2009 9:43 AM
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