Every year, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, every one's lives seem to pick up speed and become just a little more busy and/or complicated than normal. Cooking of turkeys, family gatherings, baking of pies, and Christmas decorating and shopping seem to take over our lives for the last couple of months every year. In a season that supposed to be about being thankful for what we have and the many, many blessings God has given us, (most importantly the gift of his son, Jesus Christ), our wants for a more luxurious lifestyle and desire to have full tummy's 24/7 almost seem to outweigh the real reason for this season. During my many gift searching adventures of this season, most of them being at a place called the Augusta Mall (although more recently it shares more characteristics with a zoo than a mall), I have often stopped to just watch all of the people frantically searching for just that one perfect gift. Now, I'm not saying that I haven't been part of that (Lord knows I've certainly spent my fare share of time shopping and letting the "hustle and bustle" take over my life, momentarily), but I can't help but notice the unthankful atmosphere in the midst of a season dedicated toward thankfulness.
Being thankful is more than just merely saying "thank you" to the cashier at Target, then rudely snatching the receipt from his/her hand because you had to wait in line 30 minutes, or even saying "thank you" to God for the birth of Jesus Christ, but not dedicating your life to his purpose. Thankfulness is an attitude, and the biggest part of that thankful attitude is the way in which we accept God into our lives. Our thankfulness to God is most believable when it is part of our over-all praise and worship to God and is expressed, without words, in the way we live our lives.
Just how thankful are we?? Are we thankful enough to live our thankfulness until next year at this time, and hopefully beyond, by being the loving and compassionate person God made each of us to be? We might say that we will, but we won't be able to do it unless it's part of our very being. True thankfulness is never selfish or self serving. When we are truly thankful, we will make everyone around us thankful simply because of the respectful and loving way we treat them. Thankfulness is not something we do. Saying "thank you" is not the same as actually being thankful. Have you ever heard the expression "actions speak louder than words"? I certainly have. In the end, your heart is what speaks the loudest.
If you're grateful, if you're really thankful for the good things in your life, then the next question would have to be, " To whom are you thanking?" We should be thankful to God because the most magnificent gift of all is God's love for us. A love so strong that he humbled himself and come to earth as a little baby born in a manger, then died a shameful death on a cross so that we may be forgiven of all our sins and have eternal life. Our thankfulness as Christians is not tied to a particular day or season, but should be a constant attitude. True thankfulness is revealed in faithfulness to God.
I'm so thankful to God for giving me a family that is so loving, friends that care, and a spiritual family that is absolutely amazing. Blessed does not even begin to describe my life. I pray that in this next year I'm able to live in a way that shows my true thankfulness to God.
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
O, my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
-Psalm 59:16-17
I recently took an assessment test that assessed my leadership style, spiritual gifts, and personality. I've never been much on taking these kind of tests; just didn't see the point. But I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with how detailed the questions and results were of this one. The results seemed to 'hit the nail right on the head', actually. It's like the following descriptions were written specifically for me! (but I know they weren't. that's just how precise I felt this test to be). According to the findings of this test, my personality is Minister. Some defining characteristics: "A shepherding person that values protecting people. Functions well only in small organizational structures, and values heritage and tradition. Ministers are likely to be soft-spoken, warm and humble people who prefer one-on-one relationships. They are serious but not aloof. They are detail-oriented and accurately handle facts and information. Ministers serve well as counselors and leaders within restoration and recovery ministries." My leadership style is Management/Administration. Defining characteristics: "Administrative leaders have a leadership style which is less "up-front" than some of the other styles (ain't that the truth). They are able to organize and follow through on all the necessary tasks and activities to ensure that projects are completed on time. They are highly dependable and conscientious project support team members. Administrative leaders are very task orientated and will likely find that managing data and tasks is far easier than managing people" (that's so me!). And lastly, I have the spiritual gift of Helps/Service. "The common attribute of this spiritual gift is the passion to humbly serve and support others within the assembly of Christ Followers. This person displays a natural servant heart and will seek the welfare of others, even to the point of self-sacrifice. " I figured since this is my blog, and supposed to be about me, I thought I'd share just a part of who I am.
I'm sharing this video because it is such a great example of determination and willpower. The worm had a goal and he was determined to reach it (disregard the ending because it did stink a little). As the end of the semester approaches and final exams are right around the corner, my tank is running a little low on strength and determination. I've been struggling with apathy toward school for the past few weeks. It's been a tough semester and I'm just ready for a break. But earlier today, I was reminded of the scripture "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Colossians 3:23-24). Thank goodness I'm able to find rest in the Lord. He is the only reason I've made it this far!
