Counting to 1,000
A friend gave me a book. You should know that I sometimes ... despite my love of words ... am skeptical of "the latest book". Fads ... even in books ... drive me nuts. Don't judge me. It's just how I roll. I hadn't heard of this book ... it intrigued me. The title: one thousand gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where you Live. (Ann Voskamp)
Because I am a pursuer of knowing who God is ... and is not ... I've been on the most interesting journey. OK so the journey has extended from a short period of time ... to like ... my life-time. However, this leg of my journey finds me in a place of needing to be grateful, thankful, have joy in the midst of normal life ... and even hurtful life. Hard lesson. Really hard.
As I'm reading, I'm writing. I'm writing those things that I can utter thanks to Creator God for ... things that when I speak become mini acts of worship in the middle of normal ... and hurtful life. My goal: 1,000 gifts that I've recognized as coming from the hand of God ... landing in my heart ... and transforming my eyes to see beyond reality.
#3. the way Libby's hand feels in mine as we walk to school
#8. taking the scenic route home
#15. getting up in the morning ... hopeful
#27. Starbucks vanilla latte
#33. Wal-mart run with Parker
#41. how .99 flowers look in a tea cup
#51. the feeling of a football ... OU football game day ... with cooler temps
I've become accustomed to sitting outside at an ordinary metal garden table. It sits stable on a slab of concrete overlooking green yard. To me, it's become my sanctuary (#12). While I sit, sip my coffee, and read my Book ... and underline principles ... this One I am pursuing gave me a most precious gift.
It's not the prayers of removing the pain and hurt ... and me doing so ... that are the miracles. The miracles are me not removing the pain and hurt ... and you being able to see the beauty right smack dab in the middle of it. That, my sweet girl, is the miracle.
God can. He can remove, shatter, destroy, raise up, tear down, rearrange, explode, shift, transform. That is a miracle. But, because He is wise, and removing, shattering, destroying, raising up, tearing down, rearranging, exploding, shifting, or transforming may not be the answer ... yet ... a bigger miracle takes place when I can utter, with honest lips and breaking heart, thanks ... right smack dab in the middle of it. That's when God rumbles my heart ... reminding me that He is right there ... right in the middle of the hurt and yuck ... and transforming me to see the beautiful. Breathtaking.
Still counting,
Christina
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