I find it hard to begin counting my blessings for they are so numerous. I cannot even begin to understand why God decided to give me the life I am privileged to live. I did not choose to be born in the most prosperous country in the world, one in which the nation's most poor still have more than 70% of the world's population. I did not choose to be raised in a relatively normal family environment (whatever that means) by parents who are still married after 41 years. I did not choose to grow up in a safe community with low crime and few incidents of stranger danger. I did not choose any of that.
I had no way to control the fact that my future husband would be my high school sweetheart, saving me the pain of numerous broken relationships. I had no control over my two uncomplicated pregnancies that resulted in the birth of two perfectly normal, healthy daughters. I have no way to protect them from major unexpected accidents or terrible debilitating diseases and yet, so far they are thriving and developing into loving, happy, kind and respectful young ladies (for the most part:-).
My gratitude is deep, and yet hardly enough. I lift my thanks and praise to the Lord God, who has done so much more than just give me, what some might call, "easy living." I have been blessed eternally by my Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave his life so I may have mine. Just as I did nothing to deserve being born into favorable circumstances, I have done nothing to deserve His healing grace. He offered it freely, knowing I could never be perfect, knowing I could never earn it. He rescued me from the great lie that if I would just be "good enough," I could sneak into his good graces. I am so thankful that I was shown that I could never measure up to the standard required, the life of complete and utter perfection that has only ever been lived by one man, Jesus Christ.
How freeing it is to know that He does not require my perfection, only my repentance! Only acceptance of His grace, which He desires to give to every one of us. This truth is the ultimate gift, the greatest I have ever received and the only thing that can never be taken from me. Lord, my gratitude could not be greater, and yet it can never be enough. I am so thankful for all that you are and all I that am able to be through your grace. It is my prayer that all who read this will know that same peace.
Have a very happy Thanksgiving and remember what we are celebrating:-)
For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
