Thank You

The New Year came with a whisper as I enjoyed the end of the year and first few days of 2013 in Indonesia. Unlike the Philippines, Indonesia did not welcome the new year with fireworks that would make one think World War 3 had been declared. Instead I found myself in a church singing "Thank you Lord" with a large number of God's people.

Though it was not my typical new year since I was without my dad and siblings, I was thankful for the opportunity to start the year saying "Thank You".

I don't know if this is true in your case but as I reflected on the past year I realized thanksgiving did not take up most of my time. I was always rushing to and fro, worrying about this and that, and complaining when things didn't go my way. I spent so little time in the quietness of God's presence to just utter those two words that mean so much more. I spent so little time reflecting on God's blessings to encourage me and so much time trying frantically to catch the threads of my life that appeared to be unraveling all around me.

"Thank you" so simple yet so profound. As I sat in the church service listening to "Thank you Lord" tears began rolling down my cheeks. Tears that said "Thank you" for the second chances I was offered, the protection that remained constant, the love that never ended, the mercy that flowed freely and the grace that would not run dry. I realized the blessings that God had poured onto me throughout the year and I was overwhelmed by His goodness. 

This moment filled me with a warmth starting from my heart overflowing and permeating every crease of my being. I was suddenly filled with strength to face the challenges 2013 would bring. The strength to hold tightly to God and follow His ways. The strength and longing to take His dreams and His desires as my own. The strength and longing to say "Father, I want to serve you, do with me as you please. Help me to be like clay, pliable and willing to be molded into the likeness of your Son." 

Maybe that's why God commands us to be thankful in all circumstances for it is when we lift our eyes from ourselves and onto Him that we find the strength to continue running. Running with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1b)

May we all make it a goal to say "thank you" more often throughout 2013-- I have. :)