joyful gratitude

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 (6:40 a.m.)

Blessed God,

You gifted me yesterday. Often. So many different times.

(9:53 a.m.)

And here I am again after all these hours brimming with gratitude. Joyful gratitude.

Holy God, You give us opportunities every single day. We can bless. Or we can curse. Rejoice. Or rebel. Savor. Or spit out.

Again I confess to You Blessed Father the variety of occasions that I have been spitting out Your blessings recently. Instead of truly savoring them for the awesome gifts they are.

Thank You for all we are called to receive from You. When we are ready. Willing. Able. Yes, thank You.

Thank You for the incredible time we had working in the yard yesterday. Just You and me. With You reminding me at almost every turn of events to trust. Exhale deeply. Call on the name of Jesus. And to stay present in it all.

Yes Lord. Yesterday it was Your reminder for me to stay present in every circumstances. Not jumping ahead, nor lagging behind. But right there in that moment. The sight of a fire engine. The scent of the orange blossoms. The feel of the cooling breeze.

I was right there in each moment. I forget that a lot Father. And today You sent me something new.

“Savor!” Yes. How often in Your Word are we invited to “Come… eat…”? When I think about it, “savor” sums it all up perfectly. Thank You Father.

For the first time I can remember I noticed an association between Isaiah 55:1 and Proverbs 9:5. The calls to Your Salvation and Wisdom. Most Blessed God how I thank You.

There are so many things I do automatically. Practically without any thought at all. How I am asking You to change that in me Lord.

I long to be present. To SAVOR every single moment You have provided me. Too often I tend to discard those things I find unpleasant or distasteful. Here I ask You Dearest God, make me receptive to all You have for me.

Scents. Sights. Sounds. Flavors. Feelings. The whole gamut. I want to experience them all. Hoping. Trusting. Believing that You are right here with me. Guiding me every single step of the way.

I got angry yesterday Father. Really, truly, growling angry. And for the first time I can remember I processed it well.

I found appropriate emojis that represented my feelings accurately. And I shared them. Then I put those feelings into words and shared them lovingly. Thank You for such a healing experience Lord.

From zero to explosion and back again in practically no time at all. Thank You Father. The name of Jesus accompanied me throughout the day. I am asking for another day of savoring Father.

Savoring You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Live in, with, by, through and for me this day. Using me as You alone know is best.

Thank You for Your blessings Father. Especially when they come in the form of challenges. Teach me the very fine art of savoring those as well.

I love You. I need You. I want You. I trust You. And I thank You. Amen.

(533 words ~ 10:53 a.m.)