Day Before Thanksgiving

Thank you, God!  More people, including myself, need to recognize and continually remember where true blessings come from.  Every time I think everything is under control, I immediately have to correct such erroneous thinking.  Apart from God, I don't have anything even remotely resembling order and calm.  It is only by God's grace, mercy, and provision do I have anything under any sort of personal management.  It is God Almighty who holds the world in His hands.  Through both good and bad times, I pray for the cognizant realization of Jesus walking alongside me, sometimes carrying me when I'm not sure how I endured life's circumstances.  One lesson I've learned lately, is that God's blessings also carry a price.  Of course there are consequences to poor choices, but have you ever thought that blessings call for sacrifice?  For example, I prayed for a second job.  When I did receive that answer to prayer, I had to make a radical change in sleeping patterns, along with a total re-ordering of my personal routine.  How foolish of me or anyone to think a blessing wouldn't come at some personal stretching or growth.  Presently I am sitting in my apartment enjoying the afternoon off from TNG.  (I worked at the bagel shop this morning.)  Additionally, I am very much looking forward to a day off from both jobs tomorrow.  During the course of today's events, I have constantly been offering up prayers of thanks for such blessings as: two jobs and subsequent incomes, this apartment, central air conditioning and heat, clothes to wash, good health, food to eat, and so much more.  I don't have anything under control, because all this could go south before I take my next breath.  This is so much more than an attitude of gratitude, it is a heart of thanksgiving for all God has provided.  For those who are experiencing hard times, thank God that He is with you and will walk you through to the other side.  What are you thankful for?  Dig for the treasure hidden in your circumstances.

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