ON THE WALL ABOVE MY DESK are a few reminders of those for which I am thankful. There is a picture of my wife, a picture of my family, and a pen and ink drawing of Jesus upon the cross, and a watercolor of pelicans skimming the waves. Each of these pictures move my heart to thankfulness to the Lord.
I am thankful for the love of God exhibited in Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the love of a wife, exhibited in Linda. I am thankful for the love of family, exhibited in Trinity, Krista, Lizzie and Jordan. I am thankful for the God’s amazing creation, exhibited in the wingtip-to-water flights of the Brown Pelican.
Because I am thankful for each of these I am constrained to give forth, with an open hand. Because of God’s first gift of love I am able to love in return. Because of God’s gift of my gracious wife, I am moved to meet her deepest desires. Because of God’s gift of my family, I am moved to fulfill their needs, and hopes. Because of God’s gift of creation, I am moved to be a good steward of it.
I have been blessed beyond belief and thus, my heart is filled with gratefulness, and my hands are moved to extend the gift that has been given. Yes, a grateful heart is attached to giving hands.
I encourage you to take a look around you today. Gather in through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, the blessings that God has lavished upon you. Let your heart be glad, and with a glad heart give a blessing in return.
Let thanks-giving flow!