Deep Thoughts

Living a good life might be easy as it looks but harder than you thought. -JT

Wow. Profound? Confusing? What is a good life? I kind of like this quote...it makes me think. Or maybe it's over my head! ; )

Thanks Giving

You have shown me favor unending,
You have given your life for me.
And my heart knows of your goodness:
Your blood has covered me...

There is so much to be thankful for, but I forget it all so often in the mad rush to keep up with my life. What a mistake I make when I forget to be thankful! When I think it's all about me. It's not, and it's not! How can I learn that there is WAAAAY more to life than what I do every day?

I could create a long list of just a few of the many things I am thankful for: Pete; Qerrat'; a warm home; a friendly community; wonderful students; a good-paying job that I love; a chance to really know Jesus every day; a great staff to work with; kind, loving, generous parents (and grandparents for Claire); the technology (tengsungs!) to travel and visit our families; a healthy body; many, many supportive and loving friends; a God who never gives up on me, but likes me and loves me right now, for whom I am, even though I'm far from perfect...

Of course, that is just a start.

I think that making a list can be good, but it's also good when I just remember. When I REALLY remember, I mean, in my heart. And when my heart remembers and is full of thanks. It helps me know where I stand: that I do not create the days, and I actually have a rather small part to play in the world. And that loving is more important than achieving.

Today I remember some of the gazillions of things that Jesus has given me, and I am thankful. I remember that he created me for life: to love and live and have joy and worship him and spread it all around...and to celebrate the goodness of God and all that he does, and not just to be driven by all that I have to do.

I remember and I am thankful. And it is good to be thankful. I give thanks for a thankful heart.

I will arise and give thanks to you,
Lord, my God.
And your name I will bless
With my whole heart.
You have shown mercy,
You have shown mercy to me...
I give thanks to you, Lord.