Gratitude
and thankfulness seem to be severely lacking in our world at times. People expect
others to cater to their needs yet often when they do, there is not even a word
of thanks. This attitude can even rear its head in the way we treat God. How
often have you or I prayed and then forgotten to give God our gratitude, praise
and the glory when He answers, often even more wonderfully than we could have
imagined?
So today, on the eve
of my 31st Birthday I thought l would share some of the things I am most
grateful for in my life. This 31-yr-long journey has taught me so much, given
me so much.
I’m grateful for:
1. God’s grace that
called me into His family and the salvation won for me through Jesus and His
death on the cross. Ephesians 1 is truly a passage of scripture to which I
aspire to live my life.
2. God’s Word which
helps me learn more about God, his mighty plan of salvation and what He expects
of me. His word come alive in the last few years has astounded me. I am humbled
at His word at work in my life Psalm 32:8 is my latest inspiration.
3. Discovering the
privilege of prayer and knowing the value of praying for others, as well as
being prayed for. May I continue to grow in this area of my life, may I truly
become a prayer warrior, understanding that “prayer is the slender nerve that
moves the hand of omnipotence” in every circumstance and situation that is yet
to confront me on this life journey.
4. My incredible family!
I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate that Ben & Liz are my parents and
that Vimbai & Tino my sister and brother. I love that we go to church, pray
and share God’s word at home together. The older I get the more I am grateful
for these four people who have shared my life, these four people are my truest
champions and fans. What incredible memories of fun times we’ve had together J
5. The gift of friendship.
Thank you Lord that I have amazing people who I can call my friends. People,
who have sown into my life, people who’ve had the courage to speak up to bring
about love, correction, discernment, joy, companionship. At every turn through
every season of my life Lord you have supplied me with good, strong and positive
influence through my choice of friends. May you bless each one, and grow within
me the capacity to give of myself in love to each in return.
6. For my church we are
part of and the concern for each other shown in this church. The rich word that
is preached every Sunday. For spiritual growth that is helping me become who I
have been designed to be. For the feeling of belonging.
7. God’s material provision
in my life. (Education, job/career; house, food, clothes etc) May you continue
to teach me to be a good steward of those things which you have placed in my
life and my care.
8. Good Health! Though I
haven’t really faced any serious illnesses in the past, I am grateful for the
healing power of God. I am also grateful for more grace to face chronic
conditions and the appreciation that this body is the only one I will ever
have. Its health is integral in my ability to be used of God during this life
time.
9. God’s divine
protection! 2009 was a hallmark year, having survived a car accident where the
car was a write-off and pulling through an armed robbery where the thugs locked
me up in my office and I had to escape through a window(at night). Psalm 91 was
my pillar then, and each day I am grateful for this gift of life because I am
ever aware that it’s by grace that I see each day. Eternity is but a breath
away.
10. The beauty of life
all around me. From the flowers which I have learnt and am still learning to
lovingly nurture and grow in my own garden; to the unconditional love and
acceptance of my pet dogs. To sunrises and sunsets; mountain vistas and
forests. Creation declares the glory of God. Life is beautiful, every day.
11. The gift of music!
How awesome it is to sing along, play, or just listen to music. I am grateful
that there is always a song for every mood, for every memory for every life
occasion.
12. Books! I can’t
imagine a world without books. I’m thankful for writers who write the kinds of
books I like to read and for variety in reading.
13. Imagination. Without
imagination and creativity we would have no books, no stories, no art, no
craft, inventions and spectacular l buildings.
14. Words to communicate
to my loved ones and friends how much they mean to me and words to use in my
writing. Poetry - I love the way words can be used to make different and
beautiful patterns of sound and meaning.
I could go on and on and on... I
am learning that it is important to pause often
and show sincere gratitude and have the attitude of thanks-giving to
God and to those people he’s woven into our lives. Even after putting these
sentiments down, I am most grateful that so far, though life is not perfect
(and will never be); these last 31 yrs have been a tapestry of true wealth and
riches because of every experience I have gone through.
A true work of art has both hues of
bright colour, as well as the dark. Thank-you Lord that as I celebrate 31 yrs
of living, you are the master painter...you make it all beautiful in the end.
