Cool "Christmas Season" breeze, calm "noise" of the fans running, peaceful night sky with a considerable amount of stars, the deep gentle sound of my breathing...
Oh, I've missed this one for a long time, and I could not even remember the last time I enjoyed it!
Perhaps the busyness of this life has somehow dragged me into this state where it seems hard for me to recognize those little things I should be grateful for. And I've only realized that again just now when I've chosen to pause for a while, observe my quiet surroundings, and listen to those calming sounds.
It has crossed my mind once again how God has blessed me greatly!
First and foremost, thoughts of Him being faithful has flooded me (despite those times when I was so ungrateful and discontented which eventually caused me to do such selfish destructive actions). He has always showed Himself faithful and just in spite of my unfaithfulness and weakness. Indeed, His Word is true when He said:
2 Timothy 2:11-13 NKJV
"This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."
He died on the cross, for me to live for Him, pleasing Him with a life of daily surrender of all that I am for His glory. (and this is so much easier said than done, with all the lures and temptations of this world)
Another thing to be thankful for? I'm thankful for a wonderful family He has given me! Amidst life's tremendous pressures, my family has been one of my inspirations to stand up again and continue.
Lastly to be thankful for? (for now, since I'm getting sleepy now) It may be true that it is indeed scary not to know the future, but to know that God WHO KNOWS the future is holding my future, wouldn't I be comforted and be grateful?
And I am also grateful that God knows me even far greater than I know myself. He not only knows me, but loves me for who I am. He is very personal.
God loves you too, didn't you know that?
John 15:13 NKJV
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Jesus died for you, for you to live for Him, a daily surrender of your all for His glory.
© 2012 Erickson Ibana
Image can be found at http://laviesociety.blogspot.com/2011/12/silent-night.html
