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I woke up this morning with the sun basking across my face. It was far too early for me to rise as I struggled with getting to sleep last night. As I layed in bed contemplating whether or not to roll over and try to sleep an extra hour, I realized that I may just be missing out on the best part of the day. Ā Excuse me?! Did I just say that? Ā Confession time, I am not a morning person. Ā We have a rule in our home, don’t engage me in conversation for at least 30 minutes after I arise for the day. In fact, my hubby and I don’t even say “good morning”, it’s simply “morning”. He understands that although he is cheerful in the morning (often overly), I require some extra alone time.
Why the change of attitude? Where did the real Shelley go? Is she coming back?
What am I Thankful fOr Today?
I doubt that I will ever be a morning person, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t experience some early mornings with joy and anticipation. Today is what I call “Thankful Thursday”. When I started writing this blog one of my main objectives was to share from my heart and encourage others. It is out of this desire that “Thankful Thursday” was born. This is where Ā I can reflect on my week and share something that I am thankful for. Last week I spoke about having empathy and compassion. You can read it here. Today I am thankful for being able to be a witness to God’s grace.
Amazing Grace
Last night I received a text from a special lady that I have known for a few years. Ā She had struggled with carrying hurt and pain and had been in addiction for quite some time. She made a decision to get treatment and through treatment she became reacquainted with God. I asked her how she was doing and she responded, “Back in the day I’d say, I’m surviving, but that’s not the case now,because I’m really living life to the fullest! I feel more and more alive everyday”. She shared about some work opportunities and as I was reading her words, I could feel her excitement. Ā It truly made my heart happy. Grace in action. Amazing grace.
Definition of grace
1 a : unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b : a virtue coming from God
c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance
2 a : approval, favor stayed in his good graces
b archaic : mercy, pardon
c : a special favor : privilege
each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage āRudyard Kipling
d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
e : a temporary exemption : reprieve
Most people have heard the hymn “Amazing Grace”. Ā It is one of my favorite hymns and it puts a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. It talks about being lost and then found. I have been lost so many times in my life and God has always found me and bestowed upon me His grace. My friend I believe can also relate to this powerful hymn. She closed her text by saying, “I don’t mean to boast because it’s not me who deserves the credit…but God. I’m just doing my part and leaving the outcome to God”. Ā She was able to recognize His amazing grace.
Not all about me
I could of shared a personal story about receiving Gods grace (I have oodles of them), however that really isn’t my focus today. Ā You see, today I am thankful for getting to be a witness to someone else’s experience with grace. Ā Today I am grateful that I get to cheer someone else on. Life is not all about me. We live with what I call a “me me me mentality” — don’t get me started, that is a message for a later date. Getting to experience someone else’s joy and excitement encourages me. Ā It brings me joy to be able to witness a transformation in another persons life. Ā Oh how amazing is His grace. He took a wounded woman and gave her a whole new life.
What is Gods word saying to me today?
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” ~ Hebrews 4:16 niv
“Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].” ~ Romans 12:15 amp
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” ~ Psalm 28:7 niv
What are you thankful for today? Drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you.
Be blessed ššš
Amen, this is a very inspiring post. in everything we give thanks.
So beautifully written, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story š
I usually say a grateful heart is the perfect ecosystem for God to do wonders
I love that. Blessings
Iām not religious but I think this applies to all faiths and walks of life. Having this type of attitude makes you a more peaceful person and gives you space to enjoy life.
I believe this too. It’s not really about religion. Blessings.
This is such a good post. I makes me think how important it is to stop and think of all the things we are thankful for.
Nailil
http://www.thirtyminusone.com
Love those verses! Today I am thankful for good books, coffee, friendship and my amazing husband.
Fabulous things to be thankful for. Blessings
Very nice…makes me feel positive and happy as I start out my day.
Shelley, your posts are definitely an encouragement to me and this one was no exception! I hope you continue to blog for a very long time!
Thank you for your kind words Mandy. You are appreciated.
With God, nothing is impossible. Praise the Lord.
Amen.
Yes! I LOVE this! What a great idea to have a Thankful Thursday as part of your writing. How uplifting!
Thank you. Blessings to you
lovely article, wonderful read, thankyou for sharing! x