I'm regularly involved in creative work inspired by Kim Klassen and my fellow creative friends. Recently, Kim challenged us to take a walk, slowly, taking the time to gather items from our walk...natural treasures.
These were some of mine. And while I gathered mine, I also gathered an inventory of the amazing gifts God has given me every single day...
Ann Voskamp wrote her bestseller One Thousand Gifts; I read it three years ago, and it still impacts me. She was challenged to make a list of 1000 gifts which transformed her life. She writes:
My list of naming God-gifts lies open on the counter. All I can see, think, is that my whim writing of one thousand gratitudes, the naming of the moments--this is truly a holy work. In naming what is right before me, that which I'd otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible. That space that spans my inner emptiness fills in the naming. I name. And I know the face I face. God's! God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life--even hurts in a life. GOD! Naming these moments may change the ugly names I call myself.
If you want to renew your mind...if you want to change your perspective...if you want to rediscover joy...stop, be in the present, and look for the myriad of ways God lavishes you with little love gifts that we ignore, pass by. I don't know how God puts up with my indifference to His goodness some days.
But He is so wise. His Word tells us to give thanks not only because He is worthy, but because He also knows that doing so brings us even more. Himself. And in the joy of His presence, we are changed.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Psalm 105:1 (NLT)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)More later...the yoga part comes tomorrow!
Great post. I post a Sunday blessings list on my blog to remind me of those little gifts throughout the week. I didn't post today but will prob post a two week list next week. I need to check out Ann Voskamp's book!
ReplyDeleteTara ~ It is destined to be a classic. I read it over and over. Especially when I need a slap on the head to change my attitude!
DeleteLove this. It may be time to reread 1000 Gifts again. And I love the pictures. I have a small glass box on my piano that holds some "treasures" I've picked up while walking--feathers, some shells that a sweet little girl gave me (gifts from the lake--fresh water mollusk shells), an acorn or two. . . I add to it from time to time, and take out and store somewhere else. I need to photograph those small treasures, and give thanks for them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful display of your finds! I am so thankful that photography has helped me slow down and enjoy the beauties of God's creation!
ReplyDeleteThis is just lovely. So glad I found your series before the ned of the #write31days series. And I'm delighted to meet another faith blogger from the Akron area! Looking forward to many posts to come.
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