Gratitude.
I hate to admit, but I am almost never fully grateful for what’s in front of me. I become distant, discontent, and dissatisfied – secretly wishing to move on or change my circumstances. Why? Because I’m searching for the gifts of life instead of the Giver of life.
We all crave satisfaction. Crave to be filled to the very tip-top. The kind of deep contentment that causes joy to seemingly explode out of us. Now cue gratitude.
Tasting true, abundant life, starts with gratitude. There are almost 150 mentions of thanksgiving or giving thanks to the Lord in the Bible. Below is just one of the many that the Lord has placed on my heart recently:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Below are some gratitudes I have been praying lately while in Rwanda. Lord, I’m grateful for the ability to:
- Delight in Your word, finding rest and refuge for my soul there
- Watch the sun rise with all its brilliance and color over the hills and praising the Artist
- Explore the sights and sounds of the majestic and creative Kigali
- Worship YOUR name in song and dance with women experiencing true healing found in YOU
- Run and walk in crisp, clear air without constraint
- Experience stories of redemption through creating lasting friendships
- Spend many hours attempting without success (yet) to apply for a Visa to Uganda
Rwanda has been so incredible thus far – the people, the lush hills, the colors and wonder, the empowering ministry we serve alongside. With one little exception… that last bullet point. Due to Wifi connectivity issues, my online application for my Ugandan Visa (we travel to Uganda on July 27th) was flagged and I’ve been unable to finish the application and pay. This has led to several phone calls, emails, Wifi sessions, and going to the Ugandan Embassy in Kigali numerous times. Doesn’t sound like something I should be grateful for, right? But, I’m slowly learning what the author Ann Voskamp says about gratitude:
“Gratitude isn’t only a celebration when good things happen. It’s a declaration that God is good no matter what happens…It’s a way to stay present in His presence; but it takes perspective.”
As we recognize that the good gifts (and seemly not so good) come from our Giver, we realize it’s not about the gifts, for they will never satisfy. Rather, it’s about trusting and being PRESENT with the Gift-Giver, who intended those gifts to point us to Him.
