Thankfulness- Kissed by God

I was surprised and blessed yet again. God loves to give us “kisses.” What does it mean to be “kissed” by God? That is what I call it when He blesses me with a small desire fulfilled, with something I don’t even need and certainly don’t deserve. He seems to delight in doing that!

Last week we were visiting friends. We came home with a new blender in our car. I’d so enjoyed the delicious smoothies we’d had at their home. As we got ready to leave, my friend handed me a blender. It was an appliance I didn’t have. I’d looked at them and thought them too costly to purchase. Now, I was unpacking one and putting it in the cupboard. How could I possibly be so blessed yet again!

This same week I’ve faced significant loss and pain. Someone I love deeply attacked. They want to cut off our relationship. I’ve been accused of things I didn’t do. It hurts. That definitely wasn’t a kiss.

Blessing and pain. Joy and sorrow. They weave their way through our lives continually.

Two Rails on a Track

Some have said that joy and sorrow are like two rails on a train track. Life is never completely separated from either track. We learn to accept sorrow with joy, and joy with sorrow. To do this well we must learn to live a life of constant gratefulness. We can not let the hardships blind us to the joys.

The Right Question

Missionary life comes with grief and hardship. It also comes with incredible joy and blessing. We sometimes ask, which will I focus on?

Perhaps that is not the right question. A better question is; what can I be thankful for?

Practicing gratefulness is a key habit for a life of fruitfulness in missions.

Thanksgiving Joy and Pain

Americans celebrated Thanksgiving a day or two ago. Families gathered and ate together. There was laughter and at times there were tears. Some families mourned the loss of a loved one. There was someone no longer with them this year. It hurt. In the midst of the celebration, their hearts grieved.

For those on the mission field, holidays can be hard. We miss family back home. At times we feel left out or forgotten. You pick up the phone and hear the happy voices, the kids playing in the background, and your heart breaks. You wish you could be there too.

You may not be an American who celebrated this particular holiday. The feeling I’m describing, however, is something we all face at times.

Today’s Thankfulness List

Choose to thank God for His many blessings. Here are a few of mine.

I’m grateful for His love and redemption.

I’m grateful for the hope He gives.

I’m so thankful that I serve a God of the impossible, a God who restores and heals.

I’m thanking Him today for my co-workers, even with their many issues and own unique quirks.

I’m thankful for great leadership in my organization, for the blessing of the covering and direction they provide.

I’m grateful for our amazing prayer and financial partners, those who have sent us out to do what we do.

I’m so thankful God chose me and appointed me to bear fruit in His harvest fields.

I’m thankful for good health, for strength and for the ability to live another day for His purposes.

I am grateful for a rich Christian heritage, for parents who love God and set an example for me.

I’m thankful for our children- both our physical and spiritual kids.

The list could go on and on.

A friend posted on Facebook the other day a kids activity. It was to take the alphabet and think of one thing you are thankful for related to each letter. Not a bad idea.

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18 KJV

What are you thankful for today?

In the midst of pain, frustration or hurt, reach out to God in thanksgiving. As you give thanks, your heart will fill with wonder and joy. People will see the difference in your attitudes and actions and be drawn to our Savior.

So once again, let me ask. What are you most grateful for today? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.