Notice Grace-Gifts

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

I'm a mess. Tears spilling over my cheeks, staining my shirt. God's words, penned by a stranger yet sister in faith, Ann Voskamp, leave me in beautiful ruin. My eyes newly opened to God's extravagant love whispered in ordinary things.

Her God-journey challenges my heart notice Him in the midst of my daily struggle and count my blessings; not for counting's sake but for giving's sake. For if we count our blessings as "things" we tend to hoard and want more. But if we count them as gifts of God's grace, then we are compelled to give thanks and share God's grace-gifts with others.

We enter conversation with God. We step into community with one another. We form relationships that lean to grace, lean on grace, fill with grace. Grace-gifts that are unmerited, but freely given.

With the counting of gifts and the offering of thanks, we fall in love with the God who calls us by name, who fills us with grace and we glow like a blushing bride. His bride. And He, our husband and giver of all good things.

Lord, thank you for your daily, constant grace-gifts. You overwhelm my heart with your love for me until it overflows. Keep me ever conscious of your grace that I may never take you or your love for granted. Teach me to celebrate and give thanks and offer Your grace freely. Amen.

"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 5:13