“Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances).”
Sarah Young, Jesus Calling
There have been small things this weekend that have added up to make this Thanksgiving one of my favorites in recent years. I admit to be one of those people who pushes Christmas and Thanksgiving together. I usually have Christmas decorations up mid-November. But not this year. This year, I’ve slowed.
It’s true that giving thanks is actually the best way to receive the gifts. It seems like it should be the opposite, like receiving the gift comes first, and then we’ll feel thankful. But when it comes to invisible things like hope in the midst of heartache or faith in the midst of fear, being thankful can be the very window by which these gifts are able to come in.
We thank him first, even when it’s hard to believe. Miracles happen that way. Not ones with bright lights and TV pulpits, but sacred miracles of belief, of hope, and strength of character. I’ve been thinking on these things, on the miracles that follow thanksgiving. Worry melts into acceptance. Tension doesn’t feel so heavy.
As we now enter into the Advent season, I am thankful for this slowing, for this time to remember and celebrate Emmanuel. The Man and I have been talking about what it means to have God-with-us with us, and we have a post going up over at Christmas Change tomorrow. I’ll let you know when it’s live.
Apparently we’re reading the same devotional. Or maybe your girls are reading it? But I have never found one that speaks in just the way I need to hear. From Him to me. And it is wonderful.
PS: This post makes me think so so so much of Ann’s book. Have you read it yet? It echoes her thanks equations so perfectly.
Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama´s last [type] ..Before you start to hyperventilate at the thought of “entertaining”
I’ve not read it yet, but I can’t wait!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..slowing for thankful
I agree with Lisa-Jo. And I often think of Ann’s Multitude Mondays to be similar to your Tuesday’s Unwrapped. I *heart* them both!
Sharon´s last [type] ..Continuing My Fight
My son and I are reading Jesus Calling. He has declared it his favorite devo book ever and I think I agree. So much wisdom in there!
And so much wisdom in this soul-breathing space, too! I’m thankful for you, Emily!
I love that quote from the top of your page…isn’t it so, that a lot of exhanges with God are a mystery to us! We don’t really understand His ways. I am always being amazed by Him…His wisdom…the fact that He loves me…His capacity…His authority, I could go on. His thoughts humble me. Yes…there is time for everything He wants me to do.
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..The Dandelion Patch
Love Jesus Calling! God has been so tender with me lately…showing me how giving thanks changes everything. I wrote something last week about it being a “cure-all.” It truly is! I just wish I could remember to do it more often! It’s what we’re designed to do!
Have a full and glorious week!
Linsey
P.S. I also loved this at the end of yesterday’s Jesus Calling: “Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness.”
LLH Designs´s last [type] ..Thanksgiving Tree
“We thank him first, even when it’s hard to believe. Miracles happen that way.” I love this. Choking out the thanks, even when i hurt so much or feel so angry, always, always leads to blessing. beautiful post, Emily.
kendal´s last [type] ..goodness
i loved this and just got ‘Jesus Calling’ and have been so blessed already by all about what thankfulness does…such inspired words…thanks emily:)
Abby´s last [type] ..Mor Mor’s Multitudes
Oh, Lord, I have so much to be thankful for. Please help me to slow down and be truly thankful for what blessings you have given me!
Saying we are thankful and thanking Him are 2 entirely different things!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Afraid to let people in…