Just as the Bible warns us against sins that are easy to fall into—lust, envy, greed—it commands us to do the things that are sometimes against our nature or difficult to sustain under adverse circumstances.
For example, husbands and wives are told to love one another. Love isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it requires work. Thankfulness, not always easy, is also commanded of us: “…be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” ~ Psalm 100:4.
I had a really rough day recently with my children. Although in my heart, I know how thankful I am for them, my head was screaming things like “Please, Lord, make them understand me and show the respect I’m due as their mother,” and “I can’t do this for another fourteen years.” Ugly, discouraging thoughts. Thankfulness was beyond difficult, it was absent.
Lately I’ve been on a mission to grow in thankfulness, to actively seek it in my life; the kind of thankfulness that helps give perspective on the rough days.
I’d like to share with you some of the many things for which I give thanks:
Dirty little feet.
Precious, silly little faces.
New skills acquired.
Living in the United States of America.
Even the smallest of gifts have meaning to a thankful heart.
In this season when we stop to count our blessings, for what do you give thanks?
ABOUT DAWN CAMP
Dawn Camp is a homeschooling mother of eight who lives life with a camera in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. A Photoshop and Lightroom enthusiast, she is an “evangelist” for
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Dawn,
You eyes see His deep beauty in everything and your lens, it captures it.
Stunning photos…
Searching for Him too, and He`s everywhere, and we give Him thanks…
Grateful for you, kind friend…
All’s grace,
Ann
So thankful for more precious time and another holiday with my family!!
I know just how you feel. I’m trying to be purposeful in developing a better attitude and that includes an attitude of gratitde. It’s easy to get caught up in narrow vision of the day to day – but in the GRAND scheme – there is SO much to be thankful for.
Whenever negative thoughts start to creep in I’m clinging to phil. 4:11 to guard my heart and redirect my mind to dewell on … “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
Healthy family, A roof over our head (even if it isn’t our own), A sensitive and sweet 3 year old, Happy 4 month old; loving, hard-working husband.
For my life and for Jesus saving me from certain death. Thank you. I needed to speak these words today. It is so easy to look at your life negatively when in reality….we have much to be thankful for.
Such crystal clear, gorgeous photos, Dawn!
I give thanks for quiet times with Jesus and loud times with my family. And so much more!
Have a beautifully blessed day!
I love this post. The picture of the dirtly little feet inspires so many thoughts-that which is precious and created by His hand encountering the muck of this world-yet He is always there. That is what I am thankful for-that He is always there. And that He is a God who washes feet clean.
I am so thankful for family.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to start anew, every single day.
I am also thankful for the experiences of others, that not only give me the opportunity to learn, but also help me pause and reflect on what I have that I take for granted.
Thank you for this post. It was timely indeed
Warmth on a cold night, peace in a troubled heart, hugs from friends when words just won’t cut it, and my family… all among too many blessing to count! And that is a blessing in and of itself.
Your sweet family is a true blessing. ;) Savor it this holiday season. Love you!