Thankful

When things are not going great, it’s easy to focus on the bad things.  It would be easy for me to focus on not finding a job, or being laid off in the first place.  Sometimes it is even easy to complain to God about what He is or is not doing.  I could be spending my time asking God why He hasn’t provided a job and gotten us moved to Baltimore yet.  I could complain about not hearing back about job opportunities.  I could complain about not getting that “anonymous check” in the mail that others have getten when in bad times.  I could go on and on about the things I could complain about . . . But I’m not letting my mind dwell on such things.  We have much to be thankful for.

I read several blogs. One thing has been common: people are complaining about the rain and crazy weather we’ve been having in the Southeast.  I’m thankful.  More rain + more clouds = less sun + less warmth = open windows + no A/C = smaller electric bills.  That’s something to be thankful for . . .

I get to spend a lot of time working on improving my marriage.  Emily and I have had a good marriage.  We’re getting closer and closer to having a GREAT marriage.

I get to see my little girl grow and develop at the foundations of life.  About 9 months old now, a friend commented yesterday how she’s starting to transition from being a baby to becoming a little person.  I get to be here for far more moments than most fathers can.  What a blessing!

I have time to study carefully for the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE).  Not only do I have the time to spend, I live a few blocks from my Alma Mater (Auburn University), so I can go use the Architecture Library to study, saving a lot of money on books I would otherwise have to purchase to study.  (The book for my next test was over $250 USED on Amazon.)

I’m spending some time catching up on some reading.  I’m reading a book now that’s giving me some practical insight on some thoughts I’ve had on church and reaching my generation.  I’ll blog on those thoughts as I get closer to the end of the book . . .

I’m reading my Bible more than I have since my 2nd year of college.  More than just reading, I’m thinking through what I am reading.  Some questions I am asking: “What does this passage tell me about God?” “What does this passage tell me about the people involved?” “How did they respond to this situation?” “Did that response please God or cause Him dismay?” “How does knowing this help me handle my current circumstances?” “How does knowing this help me shape a vision for the future?” “What do I need to do today to respond to what I just discovered.”  These questions are pretty simple and the foundation for using the Bible to shape your life as a follower of Christ . .  But it is also easy to get away from asking these questions and simply read for information.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

What are you thankful for today?