Tonight as I sit down to do my quiet time I begin to read in James. This is a book I have read before but don't really remember "anything special" about it. Wow was I wrong this book even though a small 5 chapters is packed full. As I read chapter one verse 2 "Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters when you face trials of many kinds" I thought man thats awesome I should be so joyful in trials. Then I thought why am I always thinking of trials and tribulations? Why each day am I not thinking of blessings and the positive things of the day? My thought process seems to be a bit backwards.
I have so much to be thankful for because I have been blessed with more than most but for some reason I notice I tend to think about the "trials" of my day. Why is that? Well obviously thats what Satan wants me to focus on. He wants me to think each day is so terrible and each day is full of terrible things why enjoy this life. I didn't even notice I was doing this or working with this mind set daily until God struck me with this verse tonight. I am overwhelmed by the things I look over each day and don't thank him for. Even the small things. I woke up this morning, my car drove me places today, I am healthy, my family is healthy, I am safe, I ate today…there are many people around the world that can't even say those things I think of as so small. When did I become so spoiled?
Was it when I started thinking of myself first? I worked at a camp over the summer and something we teach the kids is F.I.T. which means first is third. Jesus first, others second and yourself third. I taught this to children and they got it and I can't seem to comprehend this. I am so thankful that God is showing me the things in my heart that are not right. As I have been preparing for my yard sale and doing some spring cleaning, it is only fitting that God does a little spring cleaning in my heart. I want to be F.I.T. I want to be so thankful for everything and I pray God continues to change my heart.
I have been to many foreign countries and I remember as soon as I got home I thought all these same thoughts but once I got back into my old routine how I quickly forgot everything I saw and learned. I know by the cleaning of my heart in preparation for this journey it will be much different. I am so thankful as I think about even getting this opportunity. I can't wait to see where this trip takes me and what ways are provided me to serve. All I wish to do is serve those who have little but are thankful for much.
