Fly Together

Our worship story tonight was about geese, and how God made them to fly in their distinctive V-shape. They fly together to help each other. They take turns leading when one gets tired, they can fly easier in this formation, and supposedly the ones in the back even honk to encourage the leaders to keep going!

I'm so grateful that Jesus gives us opportunities to journey together. There is nothing sweeter than knowing you are not alone as you march on, with Jesus at the center of the way, and as a constant companion. We were made to help each other, encourage each other, and lift each other up. Each of us has a place in God's family. Each one has something valuable to offer. It's often hard though, to reach out to others, especially if we are feeling weak ourselves. But Jesus' grace is more than enough. He understands our weaknesses, and in fact says that His power is best revealed then (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Walking together is not about having it all together, or pretending we do. It's about showing up, being honest, being real, sharing together, and giving God permission to use us. Although I regularly fail at this, I have to admit that some of my greatest blessings in life have come when I've taken a chance and shared with someone.

The inspiration for this blog was the work Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. In the first book, Christian journeys much of the way alone, and faces great trials, often losing his way. But in the second book Christiana travels in company with others. They even have a guide to accompany them. While they still face great trials, they face them together and encourage each other along the way. God designed us to be a community of followers. In the New Testament church the believers even shared all things in common (which I imagine included living spaces, food, money, etc). Just thinking out loud here, I wonder what it would take to make that kind of church again? The kind of church (group of believers) against which the gates of hell cannot stand? Can't wait to get to heaven, where there will be an eternity of enjoying Jesus together with fellow pilgrims.

Feeling grateful today for those who journey with me. Thank you Jesus for this sweet taste of heaven.

A Grateful Heart

  So, I've been thinking a lot lately about how to live a life of contentment. After 3 or 4 attempts to write a blog about it, I decided that it’s just too big of a subject to cover all at once. So I’ll start with one of the key aspects of learning to be content: living gratefully. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s difficult, but cultivating a grateful spirit can be life changing. It’s just really amazing to me how perspective can change when focusing on the blessings. I've heard it so many times before, but I want to explore how to make it a practical reality in my own life. I’m starting off by taking a 30-day "Choosing Gratitude" Challenge. Every time I feel tempted to complain or feel sorry for myself, I’m trying to redirect to something I’m thankful for. And I’m trying to be more intentional about sharing these things out loud, with others. The number of things that I have to be grateful for is just astounding. But for now, here are my top 10:

Above all else, I’m grateful for Jesus. His presence in our lives is absolutely the biggest blessing that we could ever wish for. I’m grateful for every moment I have with Him, for knowing Him more deeply, and for the best that is yet to come.

I’m grateful for love and grace. Where would I be without it? There is nothing higher, or better, or bigger than the love of God, and we receive showers of His grace each day. Every breath, every moment of life, everything we have and are is due to His grace. It’s unfathomable, but even though I can’t fully grasp it, I am eternally grateful for it.

I’m grateful for family. Jesus is so good, He knew we all needed to be a part of a family, and I am privileged to be a part of several. The beautiful, wonderful family I was born into – they are the ones who have been with me from the beginning and continually care for me and show their love and support. The special people God has connected me with who have welcomed me into their lives and demonstrated the love of God in so many ways. Friends - who have shared their journeys with me, and walked beside me. The great, big, family of God, made up of people who are very different, but all united in love for our Jesus. My heavenly family - all waiting in anxious anticipation for the day we can all be together.  What a wonderful blessing it is.

I’m grateful for hope. Hope is what gives us the courage to get out of bed each day. It’s what gives us the strength to keep on trying. It’s what motivates us to live. One who has no hope cannot survive. By the grace of God, I have a blessed hope that gives my life meaning and purpose. This world is not the end. I have an eternity of glory to look forward to, side by side with my Jesus.

I’m grateful to be free. The debt I owed was immensely larger than I could ever hope to pay. But due to Jesus’ great sacrifice for me, I can live free, and forever. I am not bound by the chains of sin and guilt, but I’m free, because of God’s amazing grace.

I’m grateful that all my physical necessities are provided for. The sad reality is that many people are dying each day because they lack the basic necessities.  I not only have what I need, but more left over to share (and I ask God to help me learn to be more generous).

I’m grateful for health. While I certainly long for the day when our bodies will be made new and disease free, I’m grateful that I can walk, and talk, and think. I can see and hear and breathe.  I’m grateful that Jesus gives me strength, day by day.

I’m grateful for the natural world. Everything God made helps us to gain a clearer picture of Him. Every little plant and bird speaks of His love. All things were made for our benefit and enjoyment. The majestic mountains, the rushing stream, the melodious songbird, the fading evening rays; all have their place in the Creator’s grand plan. (Lately I’ve been especially grateful to be able to wake up to pretty little bird songs outside my window each morning).

I’m grateful for the Good Shepherd. I have no doubt that I am as silly and naïve as a lamb, but the Good Shepherd leads me, guides me, and carries me in His arms. He protects me and takes such good care of me. He is tender and kind, compassionate and patient. I want for nothing when He is near.

I’m grateful to be included in God’s great plan. His will is for every person on earth to become a part of His family.  He loves us all so passionately and wants the very best for us. Wise as He is, He has given me (and each one) a part to play in His plan. Now, I can’t say I always do my part faithfully, and there are often times I don’t understand, but there is such great joy in being used by Him and being able to be a part of the work He is doing in every heart.

Thank you, thank you, Jesus, for each and every blessing.

Note: I deeply apologize to any grammatically correct readers. This post, especially, is full of errors I'm sure, but it comes from the heart!