Blessings from Above

Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3: 16 (NIV)

As I don an extra layer, and a crisp breeze sweeps through the trees, I am spilling over with gratitude. From the cherished visits with family and friends, to my sought after walks at low tide, just knowing that shorter days are creeping in makes me want to hold tight to memories painted under the sun.

Looking back to take stock of all that I am grateful for, I am reminded that letting go and gratitude both take center stage in the Christian walk.

Fifteen years ago this week my life was changed forever.

Filled with great anticipation, gratitude, and excitement I couldn’t wait to meet our first grandchild.

Welcomed into his parents’ arms in the wee morning hours, it was the longest workday of my life. Hours later when I finally held my precious grandbaby, it was hard to lift my gaze. I fell awestruck staring at his perfect features, and knew right then and there, that he was God’s miracle, born to accomplish great things.

Overwhelmed with a sense of unconditional love for this innocent babe, I hadn’t expected my heart would be so full. The abundant blessings of the day brought with it great joy. I committed right then and there to do my best to make a positive difference in this little one’s life.

Looking back, it’s as though with a stroke of his hockey stick, another chapter has already begun. His best loved toys may be a thing of the past, but what I know for sure is that our memories playing, praying, and the life lessons discovered along the way, will transform his life, too.

Bottling up the goodness of God felt in moments such as these has helped me discover the value of stepping back. To give thanks. To breathe in God’s Divinity, and everlasting love. To praise him. Again and again.

The investments you and I make in our families, and in each other are the footsteps for future generations. God chose you. He chose me. To make a difference.

My friend, as we step out of one season and into the next, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3: 16-17).

My friend, thank you for sharing God’s love with me and so many.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

Here’s to a month of new beginnings, beautiful moments, and a heart of gratitude.

All my love and prayers.

Thoughts and Tips to Go Deeper:

Begin and end each day by thanking the Lord for your blessings.
Name and write about something or someone you are grateful for, but
have taken for granted. How can you change that?
What difficult experience have you walked through that you are now grateful for? How can this discovery become your testimony for others?

A portion of this reflection was first printed in The Community Book Project Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude 2024 Edition by Donna Kozik Lead Editor www.TheCommunityBookProject.com

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