I would like to say it was all great, but really it wasn't. I read a friend's blog last night and she recapped the year and told of the joy and stress of different events in their family's life. I want to do that, but I am having trouble seeing the silver lining. This morning with the boys we were reading our Veggie Tale Devo and it was all about attitude. Please Lord help me have a good attitude.
I am currently reading A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. This is a very good book about living fully right where you are. She has a way of writing that really makes some truths hit home. One is
Pain + Thanks = JOY
" . . . eucharisteo is how Jesus, at the Last Supper, showed us to transfigure all things--take the pain that is given, give thanks for it, and transform it into joy that fulfills all emptiness." (Voskamp)
This past year our family has been through a lot: four funerals, two hospital stays, job issues, me working again (part-time), medical issues and so many (it seems to me) have had babies or are pregnant. I sure thought I was done being upset by birth, but I'm not.
I can give thanks in some of the changes our family has experienced, but not all yet. God is not done with me though and I know that I will reach the point of thankfulness in all. "... He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" Philippians 1:6.
I know that these momentarily issues of life can not compare to HEAVEN!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Lord, I pray that You will give me a eternal mindset as I read Your Word and strive to be thankful thus finding JOY.
Happy New Year !
