Thankful Hearts

We have been pretty dry most of the summer and could really use some rain. On Sunday, I was talking with a few people and mentioned that we really should have been praying that God would provide. Well, I went to town to do a little shopping and there was a spot somewhat near the building (next to the shopping cart return) so I decided to park there. Not wanting to crowd the car on the other side of me, I parked closer to the carts than I should have. It was a little challenge trying to squeeze out. I remember seeing the dark clouds and thinking that it might be hard to get back in, especially if it was raining. I got my shopping done and as I headed towards the front of the store, the rain started coming down. It was so loud on the roof of the building that it was hard to hear anyone talking. Just when I thought things were done, the sound got even louder. I saw several couples having to yell just to communicate. There was a little hail in the rain as well. What do you think most of the people were thinking as they looked out? How am I going to get to my car without getting soaked. What should they have been thinking? Thank You Lord for the wonderful rain that waters Your creation. Why was that not the first thought (assuming one is a believer)? Because we were inconvenienced by the timing. If it had come at night when we were sleeping, it would have been wonderful. If it had happened at a time I didn’t need to go out, I might have really enjoyed watching it. It makes me wonder how conditional our thanks are. God tells us to be thankful in all things. Is our thanksgiving tied to how the gift is given or to the fact it was given? If we asked for help or supplies and they are delivered by someone that we don’t get along with very well, will we still thank God for answered prayers? If we have aches and pains in life, are we still thankful? If, on those days that everything seems to be going wrong, we can still be thankful, then we know our faith is grounded correctly. We are thankful because God is enough and I know that, if I walk by faith, I can trust Him. We are to adopt and attitude of gratitude that is anchored in our relationship with God. It is hard to be truly thankful in all things, but with God’s help, we can. Thank You Jesus for this day and the opportunities to serve You. Forgive us for the times we make it about ourselves. Amen