Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
This week, a friend shared a link with me about an artist who uses photographs to highlight the differences in the first world countries and those which are war-torn.
I clicked the link and was struck not only with the photographer’s talent, but my heart was touched. If I hadn’t been blessed to be born in the United States, with parents who made decent money, who were able to keep a roof over our head and food on the table, I could know first hand how horrific the world can be.
As I reflected on that this week, one of my daily readings was the above verses from Habukkuk. And then I was drawn to another reading that talked about how easy it is to forget our blessings.
I said a prayer that day, thanking God for all the blessings in my life. If Habukkuk could praise God when everything seemed at it’s darkest, then I should praise God when my life is full of so many incredible people and things.
I speak to God about daily about it now. I have a great job, wonderful children, a great apartment. I have a wonderful man in my life who loves me and my children. I can eat out or treat myself to things I want (within limits, of course). Praise God!
It’s easy to think about the “what-ifs” or “if-onlys”. My goal now is to push those aside and instead focus on how amazing my life is and then try to share that joy and those blessings. Financially and emotionally. God has put such an incredible amount of joy in my life and my goal is to share that however I can.
Will you join me? What are your blessings and how are you sharing those with others?
Dear Lord, thank You for every blessing you have graced me with. Please help me to remember those blessings every day and to never take them for granted. Please help me share the love and joy You have placed in my heart with others. Amen.