The Fourth of July

Gratitude Year 12- Day 185: Today, I am grateful for the Fourth of July.

Honor the flag. Say the "Pledge of Allegiance" with your hand over your heart. Respect those who serve in the armed forces. Patriotism was not taught as much as it was caught. 

Revolutionary War history is so interesting. I am still in awe of the courage and grit that gave birth to what we know as the United States of America. 

Our Patriot ancestors were fed up. To say it was a complicated relationship with the King of England is putting it mildly. 156 years in the "new land" meant many were several generations born in the Colonies. They felt little connection to the King of England, except for the decrees and the taxes heaped upon them. They endured hunger, cold, hardship, and so much more refusing to let go of hope and a dream. 

There was no price too high for freedom. 

I am reminded of this verse:

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." -2 Corinthians 3:17

I am grateful for the ones who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 

Today, I am grateful for the Fourth of July.

Umbrellas

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 184: Today, I am grateful for the umbrellas. 

The Love of My Life and I used to take walks in the spring rains in college with a big golf umbrella at Olivet. The scent of rain, petrichor, was mysterious and magical. My scent memories are sharp when I think of those days. I remember what it feels like to be arm and arm, walking, talking, and dreaming. The umbrella kept us dry.  

"An umbrella cannot stop the rain, but it allows us to stand in the rain. Faith in God may not remove our trials, but it gives us strength to overcome them."  

The humble umbrella helps us stand in the rain. Childlike faith is pleasing to God and acts as our umbrella in life's storms. I love to study His Word. I am fascinated by the Hebrew and Greek studies that any of us can access these days. 

"The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me." Psalm 116:6

His promises are true. 

Today, I am grateful for the umbrellas. 

Under Orders

 Gratitude Year 12- Day 183: Today, I am grateful for a reminder of our "orders." 

"If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them." -CS Lewis

This little quote could be unpacked for days. It is really quite simple, but note the semicolon. Oh yes, that little bit of punctuation means you need to pause before moving on. Pause, ponder, and proceed! 

The semicolon here leads right into "marching orders." 

It is so easy to pray for people who think like us, yet the Bible clearly states that "iron sharpens iron." I cringe at the sound of metals rubbing together (like nails on a chalkboard), but it is the sound you can hear when a tool is being sharpened. 

There is Godly wisdom in this proverb. It reminds us of the value of dissenting viewpoints, challenging conversations, and healthy competition. 

Ask bigger questions and think a little deeper. Pride has always been the fatal flaw for humans. How many times has pride led to the destruction of relationships, businesses, churches, and even sports teams. 

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17

Let us continue to talk, pray, and seek His face and not forget our marching orders. 

Today, I am grateful for a reminder of our "orders."