Sunday, 4 September 2011

I love you this much...

One thing I love more than just about anything, is when my nephew Jack declares with arms wide open, "I love you this much". It always melts my heart and makes me smile. I was remembering one such moment last night on my way to church, and it reminded me of someone else. 

As Jesus' arms were stretched wide on the cross, with nails which should have been hammered into my wrists, I am reminded that He too is saying, "I love you this much". Enough to take my punishment, enough to take my place, enough to die the death I deserve. Thank you Jesus! May I be reminded of your love every time Jack stretches his little arms out wide.


One Thousand Gifts

At the moment I am reading a book called 'One Thousand Gifts' (by Ann Voskamp) that a dear friend surprised me with. From the first page she drew me in with her incredible way with words. A summary of the book says, "Just like you, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists that have us escaping our everyday lives for exotic experiences. "How," Ann wondered, "do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long and sometimes even dark? How is God even here?"

In the midst of her heartache and struggles she is challenged to write a list of a thousand gifts; of blessings and things she love. As she writes down simple things like 'toothless smiles' she becomes more aware of God's goodness and grace in her life. 

I wanted that too! So I started paying attention to the blessings that abound, and being thankful to the One who has given them to me. Then I started writing a list...things like belly laughs with friends, and walking barefoot for the first time after Winter. I have a long way to go before I get to 1000, but one thing is sure, the more I am aware of giving thanks to God, the more blessings I see in my life each day.

See how many blessings you can find to be thankful for today!