Happy Thursday, friends! It's been a minute since I've done one of these posts; today seems like the perfect day. I'll jump in for the things I'm grateful for this week.
- the rain that came on Monday; I love when the Lord waters my yard and flower beds for me
- sunshine after the rain on Tuesday
- the gift of prayer
- that I get to go to work each day and care for a precious little girl with a short future
- my Chris; we've had some great talks this week and he has helped talk through some things with me
- my friends from work that I eat lunch with during the regular school year; our text thread often makes me laugh or shake my head
- having one day during the week off and figuring out how I get to use it
- knowing that I have a pool to swim in all weekend long (my neighbors are going out of town, and we're watching their dogs for them)
- great music...my current favorite are the worship songs that I've loved on Spotify
- the sweet things that kiddos say at work (On Monday, one little girl said that she loved the rain because it reminded her of blessings.)
- a long conversation with my dad on Sunday (I didn't see Bill that day, so I was glad to catch up over the phone.)
- weeknight dates with Chris
- sharing a love of food with someone
- easy meal ideas
- a quiet afternoon after work
As I get dressed for work each day, I use that time for my "priority" time (or quiet time); sometimes I listen to the Bible being read to me, sometimes I listen to worship music, other times I use it to talk to Jesus. That's my favorite thing, honestly: just talking to Jesus and pouring my heart out to Him. I've had some big things to pray for lately with some people that I love, and I was reminded of something one day this week as I dressed for the day.
There's a passage in the New Testament about the Lord caring for the flowers in the field and the birds of the air. I was struck with the thought that if He cares for the flowers and birds so much, how much more does He care for the people He created in His image? A lot more! So I thanked him for this and reminded myself of that over and over again that day as I thought about the heavy things in life that I keep witnessing around me. (The passage is Matthew 6:25-34.)
I included this image because it pretty much sums up that passage for you to read if you want...but there's a typo at the bottom, so please excuse that (I didn't make this, it was already done for me)...it should say, "For your heavenly (not heavening) Father knows...".
Anyway, all that to say, I am so grateful for the fact that God already has my life (and the lives of the ones I love and know) figured out. It will play out according to His perfect plan, and I am grateful that I don't have to be the one in charge! I have enough on my own plate to worry about every tiny thing; it's good to know that I can hand it all over to my Jesus.
What are you thankful for this week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn
We had lots of rain 2 day this week and I was thrilled not to have to water the garden. We also had a really beautiful rainbow as the rain was ending and the sun came out.
ReplyDeleteI love that you didn't have to water the garden! And a rainbow is the best, but a double one? I love those so much.
DeleteWe had rain on Monday as well and it was glorious! I agree with everything you said towards the end. I listen to podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey and one of her reminders is the following statement: God's eternal plan of redemption is going off without a hitch." It's a reminder that when we get bogged down and stressed about things in our own lives or in the culture around us, God is in control and His will is going to be done. That doesn't mean to sit back and be complacent- it's really a reminder of the passage in Matthew you referenced as well as other verses.
ReplyDeleteYes! I love that.
DeleteI love your heart of gratitude. I think being out of town (like me for just a short trip and you for Thursday-Sunday) refreshes that gratitude as you come home and see those blessings with fresh eyes. It sounds like you've had a good week because of this grateful heart. I hope you have a fabulous Friday planned with a good mix of summer fun, productivity, and self care.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet friend. I agree with the being out of town. Perspective is everything!
DeleteWhat kind of things did Chris talk through with you? Enquiring minds want to know.
ReplyDeleteWe talked about job stuff for him, and even for me...I might be doing something at the school next year that's a little different. We'll see how it goes!
DeleteWe could do with some rain here, it's been so hot this past week. I am grateful that I can stay cool if I stay inside and don't move much.
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs. That poor girl with a short future but good that you can make her life a bit easier and normal.
Rain is always good to cool things off! Thanks, friend. She is such a sweetie!
DeleteThank you for this dose of JOY; I just love how you appreciate everything in life! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so kind of you...thank you, sweet lady!
DeleteJenn, this was such a beautiful list. I love how you notice God’s goodness in the rain, the sunshine, your work, your conversations, and even the quiet afternoons. Your reflection on Matthew 6 really touched me — such a needed reminder that He cares for us far more than the flowers and birds. Thank you for sharing your heart today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie! I have learned over the years that I tend to worry, and the way I combat the worry is with gratitude. I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to see that! I'm so glad that what I shared ministered to you; I needed it this week as well! I hope you have a great Friday, friend.
DeleteThat is a great reminder that I really needed to hear today- God WILL work it all out for His purposes, even if I can't see it in this current moment!
ReplyDelete