Roses

“Some grumble at why God put thorns on roses, while others wisely notice 

– with awe and gratitude – that God has put roses among thorns.”

~ Nancy Leigh Demoss in her book Choosing Gratitude

Gratefulness

Wednesday morning, when I walked downstairs to the kitchen, the sight of trees loaded with snow met my gaze.

Although I love winter, I was looking forward to warmer days and such an abundance of snow wasn’t completely appealing to my senses. This time of year, it can be hard to be grateful. Our thoughts range from "Can we really have more snow?" to "Will Spring ever come?"

In every season of life, God calls us to be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whatever circumstance we are facing, God calls us to cultivate thankfulness. Wednesday as I was out shoveling the driveway, He reminded me to be grateful. These things came to mind: I’m thankful that I could spend time shoveling snow with my siblings. I’m thankful for good, healthy exercise, hefting snow up and over the side of the snow bank. I’m thankful for crisp, fresh, cold air to fill my lungs. I’m thankful for the beauty of the pure white snow.

There is always something to be grateful for, small or big, and we find such joy in having thankful hearts toward God. He is so good and in every season, He calls us to have a spirit of gratitude. “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1). When we are turned toward God with hands uplifted in joyful praise to Him, we get to taste and see His goodness. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

May the Lord bless you with a heart that gives thanks to Him! 

In Christ’s love,

Christina

~ Soli Deo Gloria - To God Alone Be the Glory ~