Enormous

A few years ago we established the exciting tradition of allowing our grandkids to choose their own birthday gift.  This idea has morphed into a day-long birthday extravaganza including dinner at their favourite restaurant and the undivided attention of doting grandparents.

The highlight of this grand celebration, of course, is a trip to the toy store. Choosing the prize is always an interesting process.  Painstakingly slow and deliberate.  The endless options are mind-boggling.  One choice.  Make it good.

This year, one birthday shopping spree (like a million other events) was severely delayed. Finally, the big day arrived and our sweet girl took her long-awaited turn shopping with Grandad.

In a world of tiny toys, Shopkins and Beanie Babies, I was shocked at the sight of this little gal, vibrating with excitement and straining to carry a ginormous stuffed unicorn.

Don’t we just love to give our children wonderful presents? Our heavenly father is like this.  He loves to lavish us with amazing gifts. 

To be honest, some days I’m just not feeling it.  My life doesn’t feel amazing.  Whether it’s raging hormones, the disappointment of cancelled plans or last year’s t-shirts that shrank in winter storage (yes, this happens), my thoughts get me down.

My focus backfills my mind.  Hear this.  Where we focus, the things we read, scroll through and listen to, fill our minds.  Next, these thoughts stockpiled in our brains, affect our emotions and our mood.

Listen, sister we can CHOOSE to fill our minds with Truth.  We can recognize and focus on the good gifts.

A ball of fire 93,000,000 miles away warms my skin.  Lyrics I needed to hear, at exactly the right moment speak directly to my heart.  Flowering Clematis climb, clinging to indifferent fence boards. Dragonflies noiselessly glide kissing the cool surface of the water.

Every morning, my brother and I text each other with three things we’re thankful for.  Good sleep, bike ride, Steph’s cookies.   It’s a wonderful way to start the day and helps me to find joy in the midst of trouble. Because believe me, not every day is smooth sailing.

I challenge you to do this too. Try it this month.  Every morning before you check Social Media, before you get sidetracked with your overwhelming to-do list, take a moment.  Jot down three things that you are thankful for.  Join me as we embrace a life of gratitude.  And thank the One who takes joy in giving each of us our own giant unicorn.

❤ Tess

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  Colossians 2:6-7

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1