Is it possible to learn about the value of giving thanks from a deer? I did. Actually, the lesson came from two deer.
As I often do on sunny days, I went to a park near my office to eat lunch and read. It’s a typical small-town park with a playground, a few benches, and a field for team sports. As I sat there, the birds’ songs and gentle breezes made me aware of God’s presence in commonplace moments. I thanked Him, recognizing that we don’t have to be on a lush Caribbean island or traveling through Tuscany to enjoy our surroundings. God’s beauty is everywhere, no matter how ordinary the place. I asked Him to give me a deeper appreciation of the mundane and to be grateful in it. I whispered “In everything, give thanks,” and went about my reading.
Moments later, I saw a deer grazing on a nearby grassy incline several yards from me. The deer was beautiful, and I realized God had shared a moment of wonder with me in that simple place. I took a few photos and hoped other park visitors wouldn’t startle the animal. Suddenly, I spotted a second deer. A double surprise. I had never seen deer in that park before.
God taught me an important lesson that day: Giving thanks enables us to experience the extraordinary within the ordinary, and it opens the door for God to bring us even more wonderful surprises. Thanksgiving also deepens our sensitivity, and it increases our ability to see “hidden” gems all around us.
When we live a lifestyle of thanksgiving, nothing is really ordinary. Take time to observe your surroundings. Thank God, for nothing is ordinary.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and arcturusangel.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
By day, Toni works in corporate communications, but by night she pursues one of her greatest passions: writing for God’s purposes and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. In her free time, Toni enjoys time with her family and friends, music, reading, traveling, and beautiful beaches.