But I have to say that Thursday was a nice day. Our family was together. Yes, there was a huge void with Daddy's absence, but we chose to focus on what we still have and not just what we have lost. I was looking around the room and thinking that each of us, in our own unique ways, has experienced all kinds of loss and changes this past year. But in spite of that, we still have so much to be incredibly thankful for. And that's what I encouraged our family to remember.
God reminded me of that truth while I was in Cuba last week. Our mission trip was great. Thanks to everyone who prayed for us. We saw many people come to know the Lord. I was refreshed by the change in scenery and focus on ministry. I'm thankful for that.
One morning, as I was battling all the negative thoughts of loss that were running through my mind, God reminded me that it was time for me to focus on what I have rather than what I do not have. That direction from Him came as a real eye-opener because I realized how consumed my thoughts were with loss. Yes, many things have changed in my life this year and there has been a lot of loss.
But I still have SO MUCH for which to be thankful. I have an amazing daughter, a loving family, a warm, safe place to live, more than enough to eat, friends who care about me, and a loving, forgiving, gracious God who calls me His child and who loves me right where I am. I could go on and on with how blessed I am. But you get the picture, right?
And so God reminded me to praise Him for what I have and to let my mind dwell on His continued blessings and faithfulness. Thinking this way requires my attention minute-by-minute. But when I do dwell on thankfulness rather than the pain of the loss, I find peace for my mind and my soul. And, my outlook on the world around me is so much better.
So, I am thankful for many things in my life. The other thing that I am doing is that when my mind begins to stray into negative territory, I sing the words of the amazing song below. Take a moment and read it and be thankful.
Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman
- - -
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
