Originally published Tuesday, 15 January 2013.
Source: ilovedevotionals.com via Wendy on Pinterest
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
My husband and I lay in bed, cuddling as we fell asleep, and I just couldn’t stop myself from saying to him, “We’re so blessed!”
When I wrote that line my husband had just had his first of twelve chemotherapy treatments for cancer.
Many people thought we were crazy because we’d honestly lie in bed and night and thank God for all he’d blessed us with.
In the midst of the storm I felt held, buoyant and incredibly blessed to be living this life, right now.
Perhaps this is one of the most valuable lessons that watching my husband receive chemotherapy gave us; the ability to realize that being blessed isn’t connected to being given good things.
So often in our Christian worlds we call ourselves blessed when we get the job we wanted or are given money that allows us to pursue our dreams or have the opportunity to go on a fun trip.
When we do this, when we focus on getting stuff as a blessing, it is easy to forget that we are blessed all the time.
We are blessed whether our circumstances are a bed of roses or whether they are filled with thorns.
When we realize that blessings are not dependent on the situations we find ourselves in it’s easier to lie in the midst of all our problems, battles and struggles and say, “We’re so blessed!”
When we are grateful what we already have becomes enough.
What can you thank God for today?
Connect with me on Facebook or twitter or take a look at what I'm thankful for on my 1000 Gifts page.
[A version of this post orginally appeared on ilovedevotionals.com]
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