Monday, December 01, 2008

The Blessings of Abundance


We talk a lot about gratitude at Thanskgiving, but somehow I always find myself at a loss for what to say. Not because I'm ungrateful -- although I do take far too many blessings for granted. On the contrary, how can I pick just a few things for which I am grateful? How can I put them into simple phrases?





How can I express gratitude for a Savior Who was willing to die so that I might live eternally with Him? Impossible.



How can I express gratitude for shelter -- not only protection from the elements, but a beautiful home that I can share with my family? Impossible.





How can I express gratitude for my family, for the love and tenderness they have always shown to me? Impossible.


How can I express gratitude for humor and laughter, two "unessential" blessings that God has graciously given to us? Impossible.

 


How can I express gratitude for the beauties of nature, the glorious palette of colors and textures that so often takes my breath away? Impossible.\



How can I express gratitude for human companionship, for dear friends who understand and love me? Impossible.



How can I express gratitude for the blessings of freedom and security in a deeply troubled world? Impossible.



How can I express gratitude for food, and an abundance of it, when so many others have so little? Impossible.



How can I express gratitude for being made in God's image and for bearing His likeness, however imperfectly? Impossible

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When I say that I'm thankful for family, or friends, or any of the multitude of other blessings that I have, it seems so inadequate to just use one word. It's impossible for me to put into words how I feel without sounding glib and trite. And that's why, above all, I'm grateful for a Lord who can understand my heart when my words are insufficient. Thank you, Lord!

7 comments:

  1. Happy Thanksgiving, Shannon!

    Those turkey cupcakes are so cute. :)

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  2. Oh Shannon what a beautiful post, the words, the pictures, everything!

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  3. Lovely! Thanks for sharing from your heart what many of us probably feel.

    Lots of love,
    Sommer

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  4. Great post!

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  5. Cute cupcakes!

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  6. This post was refreshing and beautiful, Shannon. The pictures and words are all so sweet! Thank you for the encouragement.

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  7. Hi Shannon! Jessica and I tagged you! Go to our site to see about it!

    Blessings!
    Rachel and Jessica

    http://younghomemakers.blogspot.com

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