“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Most Southerners would appreciate a cool day this August. It might even inspire us to get outside and enjoy God’s creation. The sweltering heat has kept most of us inside next to the air conditioning. Thank God for air conditioning and the one who invented it!
It’s just a simple idea . . . a lower temperature so we can go in and out without dizzy spells or fogged glasses. A little rain to settle the dust and cool things down. We love the sunshine but we welcome some rain soon.
Just think how cool breezes and wet sprays on our faces would refresh us. Imagine the delighted squeals of children as they splash in the puddles and drizzling showers. The thought raises our spirits. Our imaginations get the best of us and we smile despite the heat.
With closed eyes, we imagine ourselves in our favorite retreat feeling the gentle mists on our faces. How strange that we can enjoy a cool, breezy moment in the midst of the heat. A wonderful gift of God! Yet, on days when the temperature is frigid, we will wish for the heat of August. Aren’t we a fickle bunch?
How quickly and easily we take God’s marvelous blessings for granted. It is so easy to live in the present, always wishing for the future, forgetting the past. But it’s not just the heat or the cold, the weather or the temperature. We can look around our lives and discover many blessings that we fail to appreciate. We live in a great nation of free people. We enjoy a stable government. We have wonderful neighbors. Despite our circumstances, our church families support us. We have many opportunities to encourage and help others. These are just a few of our blessings.
Perhaps we should be grateful more and thank God often.
Dear Father, thank you for all your riches from glory that you bestow upon us. Empower us with an attitude of gratitude. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by a grateful spirit,