Tag: gratitude

Thank You

I came home from grocery store complaining about people in the grocery store.

I complained about unexpected things happening and ‘ruining’ my plans for the day.

I griped when the maraschino cherry juice spilled on the counter, the cabinet, the floor and stained my fingers.

Xena, the wonder dog, awakened me 5 times during the night to go outside. I guess her tummy was upset. I was not happy.

Shall we shift focus, please?

Lord, thank you for food and the money to buy it. Thank you for the variety of choices and the vehicles to get us to and from the stores. Thank you for safe travel.

Father, I pray for these seemingly angry people in the store. Perhaps they are missing a loved one, lost their job, or are going to be alone. Maybe I can only give them a smile. Please help it be sincere.

You, God, direct my steps. I make my plans but You have the final say. Perhaps the delay kept me from running into traffic. Lord, You know the number of my days. Help me to live for You.

Thank you for this house, Lord. I am grateful that I have a space to prepare and store food. I have a switch that changes from heat to cool quickly. Thank you that I can still move my body to clean things off the floor and to open jars. Thank you for your provision. I am also grateful for the people in the house.

And Father, I am thankful that Xena, the wonder dog, awakens me when she needs to go outside. I’m grateful that she has been the best dog and in my life for the past 10 years. I am thankful that she is feeling better.

Please, Lord, bless our time this afternoon with family and friends. Change my heart of stone to one of flesh. I think protecting my heart keeps me safe but that is a lie.

Living with and blessing others with the joy and light of the Lord is what this world needs.

And I want others to know You too. How can I show that with a callous heart? How can I show Your light if I want to be dim and dark?

Change me, O Lord. Thank You in advance. Give me Your words to share with others.

Amen.

Where Do I Begin?

It’s 2025 and I am beginning the year with a me and Jesus retreat! (Please, forgive the grammar.)

I’ve looked forward to this for months and I am finally here. I packed nearly everything, said goodbye to the family (Xena, the wonder dog, was sulking) and drove for just an hour or so and made it without incident.

There are 18 steps to the door of this little apartment. I tried not to over pack. I did bring several bags of food. But, I thought it would be smart to bring the giant suitcase with just a few clothes and then pack the paint supplies, the canvases, the books, journals and my favorite slippers. 18 steps. Multiple times. I was tired when I finally got inside and locked the door.

I plugged in the little Christmas tree and lit my new candle. I unpacked and everything is neat and orderly.

I took a shower (first one today – and since I won’t be seeing anyone, it may be the only one for a few days.) I am certainly relaxed now.

How do I begin this time with my Father? How do I create the ‘right’ atmosphere for me to hear from Him?

I am extremely grateful. I thank Him for safe travel, for food, for heat, for peace and quiet. I thank Him for a husband who doesn’t mind me going off by myself, for my church being broadcast over the internet. I thank Him for being right here all of the time.

I have plans for this retreat. Plans to write, to walk, to exercise, to complete a puzzle. Plans to paint and to nap and to sit on the balcony and just look at the view.

But my top priority is to connect with Jesus and to see what His plans for me are. You don’t have to be in a special place or have things in order to connect with Him.

You just need a willing heart, open ears and to be still.

Start with gratitude. Tell Him you love Him. Just start.