Insight

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 40: Today, I am grateful for insight. 

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side;  my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." -Abraham Lincoln

Another Abraham Lincoln quote caught my eye. I love this image of the 16th president in prayer. He carried the weight of the country on his shoulders, but he did not carry it alone. 

He was mocked, called names, and underestimated. His demeanor was humble, so some thought him weak. His writings and records from those close to him remind us that he sought Godly insight. When he was weak, he knew His God would not abandon him. He hated division. He he had tasted deep grief. He did not want war. 

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

He knew that whatever the day might bring, he could cling to his True North. His greatest advisor met him in private, anytime of the day and night. Abe Lincoln was a man. He was not perfect, but he sought insight from the Word of God. He wanted to be on God's side. 

Today, I am grateful for insight. 

Love Grows

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful love that grows.

This is one of my favorite President Abraham Lincoln quotes.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -Abraham Lincoln

We celebrate president's day next week. It was a painful time of division in our nation's history. Lincoln hated seeing brother against brother. He hated slavery. He hated seeing families with empty seats around the table.

He was a man who tasted loss at a young age and was deeply impacted by the griefs he carried. His mother, his first love, and the deaths of his sons.

Lincoln loved to read. Without many books available, he read the Bible many times in his youth. The words and knowledge of God's character was written on his heart. It made him entertaining at times in the courtroom. His wit was quick and his knowledge of the Word was deep.

Many books on Lincoln, including his own writings made a record of the weight of the power in his hands. At times, he was able to do the right thing even if it was unwelcome by many. Other times, he struggled to choose the lesser of two evils. He lived in the proverbial spot between the rock and a hard place.

Character is who you are when know one is looking. Loving our neighbor takes on many faces, but love is always the best choice. In love we learn to forgive and to appreciate our differences. In love we can press on when the weight is heavy because we can share the load.

"Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing." -2 Thessalonians 1:3

Keep loving.

Today, I am grateful love that grows.

The Flip-Side

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful for the flip-side.

Many years ago we did a program with the K-6th on Wednesday nights that I have never forgotten. I was not keen on the idea of a video each week, because we typically had used short dramas to teach the lesson, and the kids loved it.

I watched a video or two and was convinced. We spent the entire year teaching about how Jesus's upside down thinking. He flipped how people thought and lived. The lessons encouraged all of us to look beyond ourselves to see the needs around us.

The teachings of Jesus were about loving others, not self-improvement. Of course, living out his instructions quite often flips our way of thinking.

My friend, Sarah, just returned from a trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. I have not had a chance to see all of the pictures and hear the stories, but I know it was impactful beyond measure. She helped at an orphanage during their visit. They had a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Sarah is a nurse and she has a huge heart. I know it was hard for her to see the struggles and suffering that are a normal part of daily life in a place where they struggle to meet basic needs. I know she and Pastor Andrew made an impact in their time there.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." -Matthew 5:43-45

It was Superbowl Sunday (#60). A time to come together with family and friends to enjoy football and food. Those who choose opposing jerseys are not really our enemies. They all enjoy football and the festivities that are a part of the evening. The winter Olympics are in progress, too. There was much to root for. Both had stories of players, coaches, and the history of the games. In both events, there are stories of athletes changing teams or changing countries in the case of the Olympics.

It is touching to hear the athlete's stories. Resilience and hard work are a common thread. A few make it to the podium. On the flip-side are those who work just as hard, who do not win. How they act when they are discouraged or defeated speaks volumes about their character and their purpose. Sometimes the greatest lessons come from the flip-side.

Today, I am grateful for the flip-side.

The Spot Where the Light Comes In

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 38: Today, I am grateful for the spot where the light comes in.

I like to think of it as my spot. Daisy Mae believes it is hers. We share. It is that chair by the bay window where the light comes in during the morning hours. We delight in it. We savor it. Occasionally, we share it. 

I was reminded today of the simple pleasure of gentle sunlight through a window. 

“Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” – Psalms 31:16

Short post today. There is a fire in the fireplace calling my name. My best guy and Daisy are waiting. 

Today, I am grateful for the spot where the light comes in.

Good Pursuits

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 37: Today, I am grateful for good pursuits.

I needed a field of tulips today. I hope you enjoy them, too. The days are getting longer and whatever the groundhog says, spring will arrive right on time. 

February is a short month, but there is always plenty going on. How will we fill our schedules and spend our time today?

This passage reminds me that it is important to choose good pursuits. Our input has an input on the outcome. Do we expect God to rescue us when we knowingly make unwise choices or pursue things that are offensive to His holiness?  He is faithful. He is just. He has a big picture that he invites us to join the family. 

"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." -Proverbs 21:21

There are many times there is no backspace or undo buttons. Choices have consequences. Who do we choose today? What is our heart's desire? What will we chase? Who will we chase? 

Today, I am grateful for good pursuits.

Gameball Run

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 36: Today, I am grateful for Gameball Run (Thursday). 

Today is the actual Gameball Run. It is so exciting to see the schools, students, families, teachers, and local businesses come together to support the Children's Hospital of IL. The Committee does an amazing job and the community comes together for a special event. 

The track isn't in any shape for running, so it is moved into the Potter Dome. Local Food Trucks will be on site with for treats. It is a true community event. 

There is nothing like a community united for a great cause. 

Today, I am grateful for Gameball Run. 

Winter Birds Singing

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 35: Today, I am grateful for the winter bird's singing. 

Yesterday the morning was bright and as I walked from the parking lot into the office, the birds were singing for joy. 

Winter birds intrigue me. Somehow, they survive the winter's deepest cold temperatures and winds. I am still thinking about it this morning. Their chorus was loud. (Sorry, Jeanne, I hope they didn't wake you too early.) It was like a hallelujah. 

Amy Grant has an old song that is called "Better than a Hallelujah" that I really like. Perhaps, our sincere gut response to whatever is going on in our lives is better than a hallelujah. Be it tears, fear, exhaustion, wonder... or the birds singing loud and strong.

Some days are hard. Some days the sun is shining and the air feels warm. 

As I went to find the verse I had in mind, it was a day when my verse of the day was perfect. It always feels Heaven sent when that happens. 

"He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." -Psalm 18:2

Keep on singing. It might not change the circumstance, but it changes us. Listen for the birds and smile. 

Today, I am grateful for the winter bird's singing.