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Respite For the Weary
Today, in this festive time of the year, the cornucopia is often the choice item that makes its way onto the center of our kitchen or dining room tables. This decorative piece symbolizes both "abundance" as well as a "bountiful harvest", which then leads to much gratitude as we count our many blessings.
With this visual in mind, I couldn't help but compare it to an on-line devotional series that I am currently reading, (see www.soulsistersministry.com). Over the past month, many women have willingly shared why they have been "Thankful in All Circumstances" this year. To say this series has been powerful is an understatement. Just like the differing harvest fruits and vegetables that are attractively placed in a cornucopia, these unique posts have become a beautiful collection of living testimonies bound together in the love of Christ.
Here are some of the fruits on display:
Acknowledging that age brings wisdom
Recognizing the little things, the daily things
Believing that God keeps his promises
Experiencing the love of Jesus in extreme sadness
Receiving forgiveness in a relationship
Recognizing we are made in God's image
Choosing to embrace all of life's moments
Choosing life and birthing redemption
Rejoicing in a God-given relationship
Giving thanks for answered prayers, both small and big
Choosing a thankful heart no matter the trial
Celebrating healing of body and soul
Choosing to grow in difficult times
Resting in God's plan, past, present, and future.
These Soul Sisters of mine have made my intangible Thanksgiving centerpiece become very real and alive in my heart. What a bountiful display of blessing upon blessing! (And the series is not over yet!) If I were to add to this cornucopia of thankful hearts, I would have to say my fruit would be entitled:
Embracing life-change.
What about you? What are you thankful for this year? What has God done for you in even a difficult circumstance? Take a moment before the Lord and ask him to reveal one thing to you and then thank him for it. Allow this blessing to be the seed of gratitude that has the potential to bear much fruit; may each one of us be full to overflowing with an array of colorful praise.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving... For the Lord is a great God... Psalm 95:2-3
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But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50: 19-20
Dear Lord,
Give us eyes to see life's triumphs and trials from your perspective. Help our hearts to line up with yours, in mercy and grace, believing your promise that all things work together for good for those that love you and are are called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28). In Jesus' Name, Amen.