“My frustrated, futile search for what I thought I needed was not wasted…And your agonizing, unplanned detour is not a waste — not if you look to the Lord for his unexpected work, and do what you must do in his name (Colossians 3:17). The Lord works for those who wait for him (Isaiah 64:4).”
-John Piper (Solid Joys)
It’s the last sentence that has been striking in my heart lately. People have been asking me if I’m feeling overwhelmed lately because of the birth of my daughter. I am of course! It’s amazing! And I have also been covered up with this thought that I need to stop and say thank you. I need to be IN THE MOMENT. I need to quiet myself and realize that I am blessed right this moment. I need to give the moment to God and watch what He does with it. I need to let go of what I want for the next moment and soak up the right here and now. All of this is the practice of being grateful. As a friend of mine recently said to me, “Are you grateful or hateful?” And I believe he nailed it. The great Yoda once said that there is no try; just do or do not do. Likewise I think it makes sense that we are either grateful or hateful in each moment. If we are hateful, we have lost our faith and are consumed with death. Hate leads to the death of a soul. But if we are grateful, anything can be happening to us and we can see the essence of light and love in and around us straight through the pain and suffering. A grateful heart isn’t focused on one’s own trials, but on what is happening around them. It sees God’s children in every soul. Whether that soul is consumed with hate or lost in the world, or filled up with itself, a grateful heart can see with Heavenly eyes the beauty in each one of us the way that our Father sees us. Grateful hearts do God’s work. They are powerful instruments of love. I am grateful in this moment as I type these words. And I have to say, it is making me smile and feel overjoyed. That’s good stuff right there! Find the grateful heart inside yourself today.
Godspeed!