I call this “The Odd Thanksgiving List” because these aren’t things people are typically grateful for. Hah, let me edit that—these are things I’m not typically grateful for. However, through the years I’ve learned to see these once upon a time annoyances as blessings in disguise. Why? Because it has stripped me of a good deal of selfishness and shallowness. It’s also allowed lots of growth in God that I would have never discovered if my life was smooth sailing. This thanksgiving I am thankful that:
- I don’t have everything I want or need – Some days I daydream about what it would be like to have absolutely everything my heart desired. I could jet set to Italy or have every item in the newest MAC Cosmetics collection. And then I realize that life would be pretty hum-drum if this was the case. Special things that we save up for like vacations, fine dining dinners, and other luxury items would seem, well, normal. We wouldn’t have much to save up for and look forward to.
- I have times of weakness – I had to think twice about this one. I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t like feeling incapable. We want to do things on our own and achieve them with great success. In fact, many of us probably don’t like asking for help. In my weakness, I have learned set my pride aside and ask for help when I need and accept it without always thinking I owe them something in return. I’ve also learned to lean hard on God when I have absolutely no strength within me.
- I don’t get my way all the time – I’ve made some bad decisions and so I’m pretty glad that I don’t have my say-so’s when I say-so. There was the time I thought I was destined to be a journalist and gave my everything to become one—then realized it was one of the most time consuming and stressful careers that would keep me from family and friends. Then there was another time I thought I met “the one” and was angry at the Lord when he met someone else (he ended up not having very good values in life I would later learn). When God says no or wait—I think “Ok Lord, so what is the plan? Lead me there.”
This Thanksgiving, let’s revaluate the “negatives” in our lives and think outside the box of how God could be blessing you.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Always,
Faith