My son who had done two tours in Iraq, who was still plagued with bad dreams and back pain, and who had been kept on active duty almost a year longer than his enlistment prior to transitioning from active duty to ready reserve; had come to tell me that he was being recalled to Iraq. He had a new career path and a new baby and now he had orders.
I think I held my breath for a long time then the habit of thankfulness, cultivated over four years of repeated deliverance, seized my unquiet thoughts and made peace. God had been God for me. Thankfulness had become a way of living.
There had not been one single day during John David's service and since his homecoming, that I had not remembered to lavish thanks upon the One who was savior, protector, deliverer, friend. Now in that moment of stunned silence God told me to hold on to my thankful heart. A heart that would thank Him and leave the outcome, come what may, to Him.Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Luke 17:17
Thankfulness, appreciation, those things satisfy God's heart. I don't ever want Him to find me among the nine.
My son's orders to return to active duty and a third tour were eventually cancelled and he received his honorable discharge at the end of his eight year obligation. This many years later I have yet to reach the absolute depth of my gratitude. It remains my daily companion.
Tonight I read Ann Voskamp's amazing and insightful blog posting about thankfulness. Without reservation, it is one of the finest offerings on that subject I have seen. Please, do not pass this by. Take a moment, it is not long, and drink in the absolute truth of her words.
Live in thankfulness. Eat it as bread. Wear it as a garment. Wave it as a banner. Sharpen it as a sword. Lay it down at His feet as an offering and keep laying it down.
Deeply grateful,
-Kat
A Holy Experience
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/02/when-you-want-to-turn-your-life-around/
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your gratitude...it took my breath away. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnd He will live to serve God, honor his mother and father, rear his own son and be God's hand extended to heal others whom his life will touch.
ReplyDeleteI needed this today. Thanks for this heartfelt reminder.
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