Is is terrible that we sometimes have to be reminded to be thankful?
We have so much to be thankful for, the list goes on and on.
And yet, more often than not, I find myself be ungrateful.
I throw a little pity party for myself.
Yup, just me.
No one else is invited.
Last week the Lord spoke loud and clear through my Pastors sermon.
Right to me.
God is pretty awesome when it comes to speaking directly to us and telling us exactly what we need to hear.
He spoke about the bigger picture and not losing focus on God's will.
He reminded me that I need to give thanks in the midst of any difficulties we are going through.
Seriously, you have know idea how much my heart needed to hear that on that VERY day.
God is so good.
So I go skipping out of Church ready to face anything and everything that comes my way being sure that I will smile on those things with my thankful heart.
And then it hits me.
Homesickness.
I was back at my pity party, by myself, thinking about my sister and brother, and my mum and dad.
My heart ached for them.
A bit dramatic, yes.
But this girl loves her family.
I was watching the show Brothers and Sisters.
Ok, there is so much in that show that I hate.
Yes, hate.
But..all the family stuff gets me everytime.
I don't think there is one episode that I have watched and not got teary eyed at some point.
I mean, it was such a great idea anyway.
Missing my family so I watch a show all about a family?
Yup, I'm an idiot.
Then I suddenly realised I really shouldn't be upset because I'm missing my family.
I should be thankful for the wonderful relationship that I have with then.
My sister and brother are two of my greatest friends.
I should be praising the Lord.
There are some days that I can't think of anything but sitting with my mum watching a movie, cooking with her, baking with her, making her laugh, crying on her shoulder, crawling into bed with her in the mornings.
Again, shouldn't I be praising the Lord for this sweet relationship?
So it's time for me to turn this frown upside down.
(Yes, I just said that.)
So I now smile when I think of my family. I think of all the great memories I have with them and I thank my Lord for them.
I will leave you with a verse that we all know very well but often need the reminder.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7
Always, people.
Not sometimes but always.
I am going to work hard to make sure I do this everyday, over and over.
There is so much to be thankful for.
And so that I put a picture in this post I will leave you with my new hairdo.
...and a silly face!
