Thankful Thursday
I'm mad. I'm really mad. Hubby was just informed that his one Saturday a month that he was told he gets off (keeping in mind that his only day off is Friday), he no longer can take. So he got to do that ONE time. We are both frustrated with the politics of his company - refusing to respond when they just don't want to deal with you, promising things then taking them away, etc. I guess I shouldn't complain - they have honored what is in the contract, but verbally have made many more promises and then reneged.
The point I'm getting at is that I really don't feel like doing Thankful Thursday today. I'm frustrated and annoyed and angry all rolled up into one. But yet I'm called to be thankful.
Now, some people would say that I would be hypocritical to sit here and blog about all the happy and good things when I'm in such a bad mood. They might feel that I'm putting on an act. And, to some degree they might be right. It is an act. But feelings often follow actions. By choosing to be thankful in the midst of not wanting to be, I begin a process of healing in my heart and attitude. It's like praying for your enemy - it's hard to stay mad at them for very long when you are sincerely praying blessings upon them.
But even more importantly than the impact it has on our hearts and minds is the fact that we are commanded to be thankful.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18
You see, it's not an option. Even when we don't feel thankful, we are called to be thankful. Many of the problems of the world today stem back to people only doing what feels good, rather than what is the right thing to do.
So, here is my "sacrifice of praise," my list of things I truly am thankful for, even though I started this post (though just writing it has immensely improved my outlook) grumpy and mad.
* I'm thankful for my Lord, who saved me from my sin and who continually is with me.
* I'm thankful for my husband, who is a wise leader and godly man.
* I'm thankful for my children, who are kind and loving.
* I'm thankful for my parents (and extended family) who have handled our move WAAAY better than I would have ever believed.
* I'm thankful for our beautiful home. I know, I know - look for pictures tomorrow!
* I'm thankful for our move to Doha. Even though there have been frustrating moments, I truly believe it is a good thing for our family, for my children in particular, for our faith, and for our minds.
* I'm thankful for the women's Bible study I began yesterday. Over 40 women meeting together in the middle of a Muslim country to worship God and learn about discerning His voice. Amazing!
* I'm thankful for my good friends in the States who have continually emailed and encouraged us.
You see - I have the really important things in life. What more could I ask for?
LinkWithin
Subscribe To
Posts
Comments
14 comments:
Hi Lori, this is an amazing post! It's great that you can see above it all eventhough some things are not exactly pleasant to deal with at the moment.
Thanks for seeing through thankful eyes, bless you dear one.
I know it sounds silly, but thank you for your thankfulness. I need a reminder that I am called to be thankful and if I were truly honest (or not so wrapped up in myself) I would remember that I have so much to be grateful for.
great reminder, Lori! We can choose an attitude of gratitude even when our circumstances aren't ideal.
Hi Lori,
First thing, wow, I was astonished when I read where you now live. After reading your profile about your love for country music and old hymns, I half expected you to be my next door neighbor(I live in Georgia). Ha!
You have the right attitude in counting your blessings when you are frustrated about other things. I think it helps us deal better with those irritations and put them into perspective. I am sorry that your hubby won't have as much time off. That has to be rough with your family's recent move! All I can say is here is a ((((((HUG))))))) and prayers for everything to smooth out.
Your attitude is wonderful and I'm so impressed that you're diving into your new community and life! There really IS always something to be thankful for, no matter what the circumstances. I hope things will improve some with hubby's job ~ or that you'll get used to it! So he seriously works 6 days a week? Is a two-day weekend just a North American thing?
What a wonderful example to be thankful even on the bad days. Bless you. It looks like you have much to be thankful for!
I'm sorry that your hubby lost the day off. Yes that's very frustrating. But you put your heart in the right place of being thankful. When we have the right attitude, then God can move on our behalf. May He bless your hubby with favor with his company. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Hi Lori, it's encouraging that you can look beyond your circumstances and thank God for so many things! Truly we have many things to thank God for no matter what we are going through. His love and mercies are new every morning. May He give you peace as you look to Him and works His ways for you in your various situations. God bless!
HI,
I stumbled on your blog...and I enjoyed reading your posts. It was encouraging to see your deliberate choice for thankfulness. I would say that daily there are points where I am faced the decision to chose thankfulness or bitterness..Thanks for the reminder..
Mari
Hi Lori,
Isn't it a blessing that your posts can be so uplifting to others? I just read your Thursday post today (Fri.) after getting upset about a grade I received from a course I'm taking. I was fuming and grumbling about it. Now that I read your post, though, I know that I must turn my thoughts to the One who loves us no matter what, and to think about all of the eternal things that actually matter--not some silly grade.
Love you!
Josie
You have a great heart, that you can be thankful in the midst of heartache. Things will get better! Thanks for your thankful post. Can't wait to see pics of your home! God Bless~
Oh, such a great post. I'm glad you are finding things to be thankful for, even when you don't want to. I definitely needed to read this!!!
I'll probably have to come back again, and again, and again... :)
Lori and family,
It's hard to adjust to a different culture, but you seem to be diving in head first -kudos to you! Bible study - good news. We will be praying for you and the study. I think it's wonderful
Your menu is impressive - and your house looks spacious. the chair and bird bath sound great. Do you have a bird i.d. book so that you can look up what your are seeing?
EZRA 8:22 The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him.