Thankful Thursday - Everyday Things

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

Much looms in our everyday existence of job, home, family, school. Responsibilities that clamor for our attention all at the same time. They speak so loudly and hyper-focus our attention on the details that we tend to ignore the larger picture of beauty around us.

God calls us to lift our eyes above the details and focus on the world He created around us; to be watchful for Him in our midst. When we do this we set our thoughts on the larger picture and in the midst of all the stress He sends us little reminders that He is in control.

Author Ann Voskamp in her book One Thousand Gifts reminds us that God is in the everyday, even in the ugly if we open our hands in gratefulness. She takes us on a journey of thankfulness in the minute details of existence and God shows up. He shows up and wraps His strong arms around our frailty and loves us. Who doesn't need that hug today?

Paul also encouraged us to live a life of watchful gratitude. In his letter to the Colossians he encourages them to devote themselves to their relationship with God (prayer) "being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2). It's easier to be thankful when life is easy and much more challenging when life is difficult to bear. But that's the point, isn't it?

So here's my challenge: Each Thursday, before the weekend comes in it's swarm of doing, let's take time to list three things we are thankful for. We'll call it Thankful Thursday. I'd love your input each week so please feel free to share three things you are thankful for in the comments.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am grateful for everyday things:

1. Home-grown peppers

2. Sticky grandchildren in bathtubs

3. Generations laughing around the dinner table

Okay, now it's your turn. What everyday things are you thankful for?

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13