Do you thank God? I mean, we all say it, “oh, thank God” but how often do we take the time to really, truly mean it? To reflect back on all that we have or all that has happened and realize it’s what we prayed for and He made it happen.
We spend all of this time asking for things and then when we get them or when they happen, we do not have grateful hearts. In fact, I think it’s probably true that most frequently, we don’t even really acknowledge that what we have prayed for has come to fruition.
For example, when I started my photography business I remember thinking, “if I could just get one paying client, I would feel fortified in my efforts.” But then what did I do when I got that first paying client? You guessed it! I promptly began praying for more. There was no reflection or gratefulness in my response.
This Winter I really struggled with my outward appearance, and it began to wear on my self-confidence. And again I prayed “if only my face would stop freaking out, I would feel a bit better about all of my other struggles.” Well, here I am with much clearer skin (not perfect, mind you!) and instead of feeling grateful and “all of my other struggles” lessening, I find myself picking apart every little physical flaw on my face.
This really hit me hard the other morning when I was walking out of the apartment, knowing I’m on the countdown to walking out of that apartment forever and I realized that I have been praying for this. All of this. My face to be clearer, my job search to be resolved, my relocation out of the apartment life I loathe. I have been praying to be in a place where I can resume my photography business, where I can spend time with my critters, where I can feel a sense of contentment.
So I guess this is simply me admitting that I have not been the most grateful person lately. I have not paused and reflected and truly thanked God nearly as much as I should have. Because I have so very much to be thankful for.
Give thanks to the God of Heaven, for his love endures forever.
-Psalm 136:26
