As I was exercising yesterday, the song "Thank You" by 33 Miles came on the tv. As I listened to the lyrics that I have heard plenty of times, I wondered to myself, "When was the last time I thanked God for the small things?" It's been awhile, honestly.
With my graduation from college in May, it has been quite the emotional summer. I have had interviews but no success. My summer has been full of worry and anxiety about my future. Do I teach in a public school? Private? Cyber School? Overseas? Do I pursue missions work? Do I wait a year and then go overseas? Should I find random work until the teaching market is better? I honestly do not know where God is calling me right now. It's been 3 months of intense searching but still have not a clue of what my future (as in where I will be even 3 weeks from today) looks like!
However - while I was on my mission trip to Ukraine this July, I realized that I have to put my trust in God and let go of my past because He has a beautiful and wonderful future for me. Part of this means that my calling is to live a completely surrendered and abandoned, poured out life for Him where He receives the glory for everything I do. But this also means that I want to develop a spirit of thankfulness in my life.
I've recently started a "Gratitude Journal" to record the small miracles that God works each day in my life. It sure has helped me to become more joyful and thankful for all that God does for me - even while I'm facing a very unknown future and anxious days that come with a transition.
Today, I'm thankful for...
- a good back to read
- the beautiful sunshine
- the cool breeze that gave relief from the heat
- a day to relax
- the opportunity to travel around the world and spread God's love
- amazing friends - from elementary school to those I just met last month
- a mother who is a wonderful cook
- a nice cup of coffee from time to time
- the peace that God will provide a job in His time
- God's faithfulness and provision
So - let me ask you again -- when was the last time you thanked God?
Thank You for everything,
Thank You for loving me,
It don't even matter what tomorrow brings,
Well I will sing,
Thank You for the sun and rain,
For what You give and take away,
For all Your goodness I will always say,
Thank You.
~33 Miles..."Thank You"~
