Giving Thanks 2013

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The sound of cranberries popping on the stove. Colorful, lively reminders of our day of thanks.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:1-2

The verse floats around in my mind as the house fills with smells of Thanksgiving foods.

This fall our small group read Good and Beautiful God. We attempted to memorize Colossians 3. Each week we also engaged in what the author called ‘soul training exercises’.

I remember the week that the practice was listing daily what we are grateful for. Something clicked for me that week. When I intentionally named what I was thankful for, my mind and heart became set on things above.

I realized one of the ways I throw off earthly things and place myself in my rightful place, raised with Christ, is via gratitude.

Gratitude doesn’t rise from circumstances. It originates with God. With acknowledging who he is. From there life flows.

I also realized the power of intentionally speaking or writing what I am grateful for. Sometimes I say thank you…but in a recess of my mind while I’m going about daily business.

But to stop. To look around. To speak. To write. There is the space of spiritual transformation. The place where my heart and mind align with Christ.

The cranberries cook. The puzzle on the card table draws in the adults. The snow outside calls to the children. The house fills with gratitude.

The puppy still barks. The children still have squabbles. Our football team might lose.

But gratitude reigns. And from it the tone of the home is set. With our hearts and minds set on things above, the eternal shines brightly. Relationships and love and joy. Perspective.

Giving thanks with you today.

 

Comments

  1. you have painted a beautiful picture…..I can see you all in it…it looks warm and homey….

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