A Look at What I Have Gained
16 “Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NLT)
What Have you gained this week? It is a possibility that you have gained knowledge, wisdom, peace, faith, or understanding during the week. I have made it a point, when I start to feel like my glass is half empty, to redirect my thoughts and look at what I have gained today instead of what I have lost.
4 “Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.”
5 “Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalms 25:4-5 (NLT)
Gained Small Things
I love reading Melanie Shankle’s book, “Church of the Small Things.” Each chapter is a reminder of how important the small things are in our lives and in our hearts. In session one, Melanie states, “We’re in God’s will when we wake up every day with a willingness to say, “God, I’m going to go where you lead me to go today. What do you have for me today? Where can I be faithful to you today? This family that you’ve given me, this job that you’ve given me, this life that you’ve given me-where can I show up and be faithful today?” -Melanie Shankle (Church of the Small Things)
Gained attitude with gratitude
Reading Melanie’s book has really impressed upon me how important the little things are in my life. Little things like “taking a look at what I have gained” daily instead of looking at what I have messed up or lost. What a different this makes in my attitude, my heart, and how grateful I feel.
Counting My Blessings,
Susan Browder
Additional reading:
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2017/12/26/a-fuller-life/
