a perspective change

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17

"In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I recently read this devotional by Mars Hill, titled "God never gives the wrong gifts" that was centered on James 1:9-11, 16-18. 

Mark Driscoll also preached this sermon on it. Both are awesome.

I have found that it's not natural to have a heart of gratitude. 

It's easier to focus on the things that you don't have, isn't it?

But when you take a step back and realize that everything, everything you have is a gift that God has freely given in His grace (undeserved, unmerited favor) . . . it changes things.

Instead of focusing on your unmet longings, your eyes are opened to how much you truly have . . . and it even becomes overwhelming.

It's good to reflect on this, to even make a list of things, blessings, gifts that you have been given. It will change your perspective, lift your gaze and your spirit.

I started this exercise today, and there is just so much to be thankful for. It's everything from being thankful that God chose to pursue me and have a relationship with me, to being thankful that I have health, that I have freedom and security in this country, for the comfort of a friend, for the smell of coffee in the morning, the sound of birds singing . . . and life suddenly becomes that much more beautiful.