A thankful spark

Its not the weekend.
But I had a good 5 hours long nap after work.
Waking up to eat past due dinner at 2am.

Excerpt from fastpray

It is so easy to offer our praise and thanks to God when things are good in our lives, basically when we feel thankful.  But what I constantly have to remind myself of is that thankfulness isn’t simply a feeling that comes from good things happening.  It’s an orienting of the heart that, as we practice it, re-focuses our attention away from painful circumstances and back on Jesus, strengthening our awareness of His consistent presence which is necessary if we’re to endure the many things life throws at us on a regular basis.  It is indeed a practice, and one that might not initially match where our hearts are.  It can seem inauthentic, as though we’re denying our true feelings or suffering.As is usually case, the way in which God calls us to follow Him is radically different than what feels natural in this world.  I can honestly say I never want to give thanks for the pain in my life.  And yet on the occasions I try, I notice that something very subtle shifts inside of me.  It’s like a small chasm of space opens up and gives God more room to take up residence with the pain and do the work in my life He’s after.  In these instances thankfulness takes on a very different definition, becoming an act of surrender, trust, and worship rather than simply a response to circumstances.

It's hard to be thankful in this season of being mentally, emotionally and physically tired on a daily basis.
Yet, somewhere inside a very, very gentle stirring contradicts me.

Traffic been good and I've been in on time every morning.
Light Cokes are piling up in the office fridge.
I've managed to get out of the parking lot every single time I'm suppose to have been trapped by buses.

It's in the little things that aren't necessarily visible, solid or clear.
It's in the little things that is so easily taken for granted because maybe everyone else has the same opportunity.
Or the little things that is justified away by 'I deserve this.' or 'I expected this.'

And freewill lets us make that choice to be thankful our very own.
It is only when we choose to, with a drop of humility, that our eyes can be open to the great little things He provides for us.

My life is not my own

To You I belong

I give myself

I give myself to You