It was noon, and the playroom was already a mess.
As I finished washing the dishes, I realized I needed to prepare lunch. I looked around, and my heart sank. Toys and books littered the floor. The children, though having a great time, ran chaotically around the room and into the halls. Their singing, screaming, and laughter seemed deafening. I took a deep breath and whispered, “God, please help me.”
In the midst of the commotion came a still small voice, “Give thanks.” I instantly knew it was my heavenly Father, but “Give thanks?”
I took a deep breath and accepted the assignment. I looked around the room once more, now with a fresh perspective, and thanked the Father for my eyes.
I was in a home where love prevailed. My children and I were safe. “Thank You for my home and my children,” I whispered. My children ran, screamed, and sang. I whispered again, “Thank You, Lord, for healthy children with healthy voices.” I was also at home at 11 a.m. instead of work, and I thanked God for that privilege too.
For the next thirty seconds, I reveled in gratefulness. My heart was full. As I smiled and left to bring order to my blessed situation, I gave my final thank you. “Thank You, dear Father, for helping me to see Your blessings in the midst of it all.”
Sometimes it is easy to forget that each moment of life is a gift that warrants gratitude. We tend to remember only when things are going our way. But God uses all times to help us remember how precious we are to Him and also the gifts He gives us every day. His will is for us to thank Him in every circumstance.
Unfortunately, we tend to hear Him best when life becomes turbulent. When that happens, stop, breathe, and say, “Thank You.” Use the opportunity to see God’s blessings and love.
Give thanks. It will bless your day.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Alizabeth Wilson and her husband, Earl, have been married for twenty-nine years and have five children, ages thirteen to twenty-eight. They are currently homeschooling their thirteen-year-old daughter. Alizabeth enjoys encouraging women in whatever life season they are in. She is also a speaker for women’s conferences and retreats and is currently writing a book of encouragement for homeschooling mothers. Her life Scripture is Philippians 2:13.