Thankful for the Little Things

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us
with benefits…” Psalm 68:19a

I’m kinda slow. Sometimes I don’t notice the simple blessings God showers on me daily. Perhaps I’m too busy, or my spiritual radar is off-track. I really do want to be more thankful, so I’m going to ask God to make me cognizant of things to thank Him for – big or small.

“Small” would describe one blessing that brought a smile today. It was the size of a satsuma; actually, it was a satsuma. And not just one, but, as you see in the photo, clusters of the tempting fruit, literally dripping with sweetness.

I had stopped to join some friends for some walking exercise, and as the group readied to leave, my friend asked if I liked satsumas; someone had dropped off a large bag of them. Since I’ve been trying to eat healthier, fruits and veggies are replacing an overabundance of starchy carbs, fats and sweets on my plate. And satsumas rank up toward the top as fruity faves!

Putting them away, I thought of other simple pleasures of the day: having a nice, warm bed to arise from this morning, a clear mind to sort through the activities of the day, lunch with our senior adults at church, a heating pad to ease my aching back this afternoon, and a pair of dry socks and a cup of steamy coffee to enjoy after being in-and-out of the rain for most of the day.

Admittedly, none of these ranks up there with winning the grand prize in a contest you’d forgotten you’d entered, but they are things for which we can – and should - thank and praise God. Can’t you imagine Him smiling when He sees our pleasure in such small favors? He delights in arranging them and presenting them to us. And it’s all because He loves us so!

Maybe my “thanksgiving” should turn into “thanks-living”…copying God’s loving nature by sharing things with others, just as my friend did with me. God, the great example-giver, patterns the way. I’ve but to take up the mantle and follow.

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)

"Pay It Forward"

A devotional in Radio Bible Class’ Our Daily Bread (www.rbc.org/odb) was entitled “Pay it Forward”, based on the movie by the same title. Trevor, a 12-year-old boy, wanting to make the world a better place, began with himself and a good deed.

The Scripture chosen for the devotional was John 13:3-15, the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Imagine, the Lord of the universe humbling Himself by engaging in the lowly task reserved for servants! Surely a collective gasp and a hush fell upon these gathered in the upper room, as the Lord knelt before each man to grasp his filthy feet.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)

A lesson was to be learned, and it was about more than foot-washing. Although some take the above verse literally and engage in the practice today, the “example” Jesus was referring to was that of servanthood, not applying a wet towel to dusty toes. As today’s disciples, we must seek – and accept – opportunities to show the spirit of Jesus’ act; to meet the needs of those God places in our paths. Dirty feet needed to be tended to in New Testament days; we can render other acts of service in today’s world.

Let me get back to “Pay It Forward”…years ago, after our community suffered Hurricane Katrina’s wrath, volunteer groups from across the U.S. came to our aid. In addition to Minnesota, Georgia graced us with the most volunteers. Folks from First Baptist Church of Woodstock had come for a particular week, and I met them over a meal at our church. My daughter, Lee, who lives about an hour from Woodstock, had become a single parent, and we had a spare mattress set we wanted to get to her. These servant-hearted fellow believers (see photo) came by our house, picked up the bedding and transported it to their church, where one of Lee’s friends picked it up and brought it to her.

Fast-forward a few years. Last week, Lee was planning a trip to the Mississippi coast, and a friend-of-a-friend had something she needed to get down here. My daughter was able to meet the woman and receive the item - a hand-crafted case to hold the flag used at my friend’s husband’s funeral. She is waiting excitedly to receive the special gift. Lee had the opportunity - and pleasure – of paying it forward.

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:28)

Lord, may I not be so busy or inflexible that I miss the joy of following your example of servanthood when you provide the opportunity. Remind me of Your abundant blessings, and let me pay it forward!

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)

God's Enduring Love

As I was leafing through my Bible today, Psalm 136 caught my eye, due to the way it is formatted on the page. The reason for the unusual format is that each line ends with the same words, “His love endures forever.”

Take a few moments to read the psalm, looking for evidences of God’s love. You’ll notice his creative power, his mighty arm of deliverance, and his abundant blessings. As I meditated on these truths, I began to think of portrayals of God’s love today. I decided to write my own “Psalm 136”; highlighting just a few of the ways I’ve seen God’s love evidenced in my life:

He has given me his salvation,
His love endures forever.
He meets my every need in abundant measure,
His love endures forever.
He guides me in unexpected ways, to show me his plan.
His love endures forever.
He has gifted me with a loving husband, a precious family and treasured friends,
His love endures forever.
He has allowed me to live where I have freedom of worship,
His love endures forever.
He has provided his word to exhort, instruct, and encourage,
His love endures forever.
He is with me continually, even if when I don’t seek his fellowship,
His love endures forever.
He has redeemed my children, and they are committed to following him,
His love endures forever.
He gives me grace and confidence to accept the trials he allows to come my way.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
His love endures forever.

Like these rained-drenched roses shown in the photo, many things may appear lovely, but their beauty is short-lived. Praise the Lord for His everlasting (and every-so-daily) love! Why not try writing your own “Psalm 136”? You may want to place a copy of your version where you can read it often, as a constant reminder of your Father’s abundant love. And share your psalm of praise with others, so they can rejoice with you…perhaps they’ll write their own!

Related scriptures: Psalm 100, 2 Corinthians 9:6-14, Genesis 1, 2 Chronicles 20:20-22,
1 Chronicles 16:23-36

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)