Gifts: 26-35

I'm sitting on my couch on a Saturday with no evening plans and waiting for Adam to wake up from a nap. I had both a good and frustrating morning and have found some difficulty in pushing through with this day's thanksgivings. It's evident when things get harder, it is easier to choose sorrow, pity, etc. I love this excerpt from "One Thousand Gifts"

"This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on and have faith in His Messenger]" John 6:29 AMP -That is my daily work, the work God asks of me? To trust. And trust is that: work.

The work of trusting love. Intentional and focused. Stress and anxiety seem easier. Easier to let a mind run wild with worry than to exercise discipline... Are stress and worry evidences of a soul too lazy, too undisciplined, to keep fixed on God. To stay in love."

Ah. I believe and know that my faithfulness to God is dependent upon me and no other. But this discipline to trust. That's hard. Undisciplined. Ouch. I needed that. I can't blame my lack of trust on anyone but myself. And the exercise of that discipline was used today. Let's say I have some work to do still...

Onto my gifts of gratitude.

26 - 30
26. A job where I am needed and also appreciated
27. The differences between others and myself. (while sometimes hard, I am reminded of the beauty of creation)
28. A moment, in the middle of my work day, for solitude and silence
29. Sushi Mmmmmm
30. The ability to exercise - health and an able body.

31 - 35
31. Sweaters that make my dogs look ridiculously adorable!
32. The city of Muncie's generosity to support the Muncie Mission's Walk a Mile in My Shoes (nearly 1000 walkers!)
33. The means where I can get my hair done and have a little pampering.
34. The challenging people in my life. (once again, this is tough, but I know God is calling me to love deeper than I think I can. Those challenging people in my life give me opportunities to love more deeply.)
35. The grace and love showered on my friend when she found out she wasn't pregnant today. Praise Him for providing her with the exact husband she needs to get through challenging times.