“I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.”
What if we saw our lives as blessed by God, regardless of our circumstances? We all go through rough times in life, but, what if, even in those less-than-ideal situations, we were able to see our lives as full of blessings?
What if we regularly gave thanks to God, to others, and to whomever we feel led to extend our gratitude? Might it change our attitude and our impact on those we are in relationships with and encounter each day?
When we think back to that first Thanksgiving as history tells, it happened during a time of conflict and disagreements, with a focus on self and what was needed for survival which often included violence. We can only imagine how dire those times must have felt for everyone involved. Knowing this, though, the first Thanksgiving is such an inspiring picture of diversity and unity among those who celebrated since they chose to count their blessings together. Joy and gratitude prevailed over all else. They stopped trying to hurt each other and instead chose to enjoy each other.
As we prepare for another Thanksgiving of our own, on the heels of yet another divisive election in the midst of economic and international uncertainties and disagreements, may we choose to count our blessings and, in the process, may we begin to create a culture of grace, peace, patience, and kindness.
Our one and only life has so much potential for good and can influence others in such positive life-changing ways, but only if we are willing to set ourselves and our opinions aside. As we do, and as we engage with others during this holiday season and the end of 2024, I pray that each one of us will see with new eyes our lives full of God-given blessings. No matter the circumstances or how hard our lives may be, I pray we choose to recognize even the smallest blessings around us – whether it be family and friends, a place to live, a job to provide resources and build community, or even the beauty in the changing of seasons.
God Himself told us through the prophet Ezekial in Ezekial 34:14 that He is providing for His flock in every way, He is protecting His sheep on spiritual mountaintops, that He has given His children a place of peace and tranquility, if we accept it and choose to dwell there. As we count our blessings, we discover that we are “grazing on rich pastures” and that these are pastures of so much more than just money.
May we become even more bearers of His grace and light as we count our blessings this Thanksgiving and holiday season!
If you would like to go deeper with the attitude of gratitude, please consider reading 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, you will be blessed!
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