For the past couple of days, my daily devotional, Jesus Calling ~ Enjoying Peace in His Presence ~ has been focused on giving thanks. I’m a great believer in giving thanks for all things, but lately in all the hustle and bustle of my life, I’ve forgotten to do this most simple thing. I know that giving thanks is a gift we give to God and that it is the gift that comes back to us in the form of Peace and Joy, a foundation for a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father. Thankfulness in all circumstances allows God to work through you to help you bear even the most stressful or grief-filled moments.
Today’s Jesus Calling created such a strong picture in my mind that I wanted to share it with you. As you go through your day, look for tiny treasures that God has strategically placed along your way. Yes, our Father goes before us and lovingly plants little pleasures to brighten our day. If we focus on Him and focus on gratitude, we can “pluck” these little treasures one by one, creating a beautiful bouquet. And as we lie down to sleep tonight, we can offer that bouquet back up to God with our heartfelt THANKSGIVING. With our thanks, God gives us peace and joy.
Just picture it! As you drive through town, hitting green lights all the way, “pluck” that little treasure and add it to your bouquet. When you see a beautiful home all decked out for fall and Thanksgiving Day, “pluck” that little treasure and add it to your bouquet. When the cashier at the busy and chaotic grocery store gives you a special smile and wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving, “pluck” that little treasure and add it to your bouquet. When your kids give you a hug, when your grandchildren stop to visit, when your daughter calls just to talk, when your husband helps with the laundry and fills your car with gas, when your best friend calls just to say I love you, when you look at the sky, the trees, the falling leaves, “pluck” those little treasures and add them to your bouquet. And tonight as you lay down to sleep, offer that huge bouquet back up to your Loving Father, saying “Thank you, Lord, Thank You!” And let his Peace, Joy and Love sing you a lullaby as you drift off to sleep.
Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.
I come to your altar, Oh Lord, 7 singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your miracles.
Psalm 26:7
You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine. 8 I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you along, Oh Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalm 4: 7-8
I will thank the Lord for he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:17
