There are moments when I realize that I’m living out a special gift from God, moments when all I can do is praise His name and thank the God most high who cares so much about me and knows me so well. Swinging leisurely in the hammock as I watched the sun set over the breathtaking view of the Thai jungle, being able to spend an afternoon at the German Christmas markets in London, getting to see some of God’s amazing creations while on a safari in South Africa were all special “God gift” moments.
Yet, the more I stop to think about these special moments the more I realize that every single moment is actually a gift, not just the seemingly special ones. Each breath we breathe comes from Him. Each sunrise and sunset comes from Him. Each minute of every day is from Him. I’ve challenged myself to not only thank God for those special little moments, although they are wonderful, but also to take time to thank Him for the everyday gifts that often go unnoticed. Here’s a few of the more common moments I’ve take for granted in the past and an example when God deserved a big Thank You.
Getting a good night sleep – Our first night in Harpenden, England as I curled up in the loft bed, 8 feet above the ground, cozied up in a feather duvet, exhausted from traveling and knowing I was going to sleep well was one of those everyday moments taken for granted.Inviting God’s presence and knowing He’ll show up – When we crowded into our little hotel room in Vietnam and worshipped together, knowing that we needed God and He wanted nothing more than to renew our spirits and revel in our praises was another moment that deserved a Thank You.
Friends, new and old – Visiting Nick and Sarah, friends from Montreal, as well as getting to know and be encouraged by Gareth, Ceazer and Chad in London was one of those times when my appreciation wasn’t nearly big enough.
Traveling – Filling up my passport page by page as I explore God’s beautiful creation has gone unthanked numerous times.
Serving and Sharing – Sharing God’s redeeming love with Juan Carlos in Palenque, serving with Aristides and his family in Ocotal, sharing God’s truth with Bamboo and Nuygen in Ho Chi Minh, serving alongside Isaac in Phnom Penh, serving with Vern, Audrey, and the Baeng family in Chiang Ria and Kanchanaburi, sharing God’s mercy with Patrick and Neal in London, serving with Jaco and Maria in Vilanculos, serving alongside Harrison, Margritta and the HIM team, each of the those opportunities were gifts from above that deserved a hearty “Thank You, Lord”.I challenge you to look at your everyday life and find the hidden gifts. I guarantee you will find more than you ever imagined. Our God truly loves us and He fills each and every day with an abundance of gifts.
