We all understand the importance of gratitude in our lives, even if we don’t live it out to the extent we’d like. For me, it requires a constant reminding again and again. There’s a ton of scripture that doesn’t just suggest we be grateful, but actually commands it of us. Seems a bit counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? Like a parent saying to a child, “You WILL go on this vacation with the family, and you WILL have a good time!”
The difference, of course, is that the One commanding us to be grateful is none other than Almighty God. Pretty sure He has the right to command anything He wants of us! Because, bottom line, everything He asks is ultimately for our benefit.
So, I want to explore this whole issue of gratitude from two very different seasons in my life, and yet what powerful truth was common between them.
Let me take you back about 14 years to the season right around my 50th birthday. I remember the conversation I had with God at that point almost like it was yesterday. I remember the words; I remember my frame of mind; I even remember my not-so-spiritual motivation!
Dale and I had just returned from a glorious trip to Hawaii, celebrating big birthdays for both of us, and our 20th wedding anniversary. It was hands-down the best vacation we had ever taken. So, I’m pretty much in a mountain-top mood already.
In my prayer/conversation with God, I clearly remember going through every single area of my life and thanking God for how amazing it all was and how grateful I was for it.
We were living on a beautiful acreage out near Earlham. Dale hadn’t yet been diagnosed with vascular dementia. I had left the corporate rat race and was working two part-time jobs I loved. We had TONS of time together and it was the sweetest season of that 20-year marriage.
So, as I ticked through every box comprising my life, I was overwhelmed with how God had so richly blessed me from the day I was born until that moment.
- Wonderful childhood? Check.
- Godly upbringing? Check.
- Parents who loved me? Check.
- Fond memories of high school and college? Check.
- Fulfilling career? Check several times.
- Good health? Check.
- Wide circle of friends? Check.
- Financial security? Check.
- Beautiful places to live out in God’s creation? Check.
- Husband whom I adored and who adored me? Check and check.
- Church family where I could grow in the Lord? Check.
And finally but most importantly – Salvation bought and paid for by Jesus’ death? Eternal check!
I did sincerely thank God for blessing me in virtually every way He could. I felt so undeserving of it all, but isn’t that what God’s grace is all about?
But here’s where it started to break down a bit. Part of my covert motivation for this outpouring of gratitude was so God would understand how much I appreciated it, SO THAT He wouldn’t take it away from me! Proper heart of gratitude? Uncheck.
Most of that previous list is now just precious memories, and the reality I’m living is much different today. Fast forward to this morning as I was praying. Here’s what my “list” looks like now.
- Deeper relationship with God? Check.
- Clear calling into this ministry? Check.
- Almost literally hearing God speak to me again and again? Check.
- Precious NEW friendships that are deep and spiritually satisfying? Check.
- “Kingdom” work unlike anything I’ve ever experienced? Check.
- Fuller utilization of past and new gifting from God? Check
- Opportunities to live out the truths of God’s Word? Check.
- Powerful, eternal perspective on life? Check.
- Gut-level understanding of the need for compassion and understanding? Check.
- Unparalleled satisfaction of living out God’s purpose for my life? Check.
- Secured salvation? Still check!
So, let’s answer the title question. Are there differences in my gratitude between those two diverse seasons of life? Sure. There are obvious variations in the content of the lists. But I want to draw our attention to what is the same, and then leave you with the lesson God showed me through this process.
The God to whom we pray, regardless of our circumstances, is the same yesterday, today and forever. Every promise, every characteristic, every ultimate good is unchangeable. We can take that to the bank.
Let me close by sharing this powerful lesson from God.
My gratitude over list #1 was essentially because God had bestowed upon me a myriad of wonderful blessings, many material based. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Yes, please do be grateful for all good gifts from God – material, relational, emotional, and spiritual.
There is some carry-over from list #1 to list #2, but many of those gifts are now just precious memories. And their absence from my life does bring me grief.
So the amazing thing about list #2 is that in spite of, and largely because of all that is now gone, God has filled my life with blessings that are even richer and more satisfying than what I thought was a “perfect” list, and life, so many years ago.
And THAT is exactly God’s character. His gifts eventually, but always, are for our good.
Of course I miss that life from over a decade ago. But I can confidently say that God has given me so much more. He is growing me through this season and teaching me deep truths I wouldn’t have seen without it.
I couldn’t be more grateful.
Give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18