The Uncommon

"Thank God!"

I hear this phrase often. We all do, right? Some say it, and it feels personal. Others say it, and it feels like just a phrase. Sometimes it's said both ways from these lips. Meaningful and flippantly. Sometimes I'm truly giving God the praise and thanksgiving he SO deserves. Other times I default to the phrase in the midst of a moment of relief.

Today I heard it shouted out by a co-worker. Isn't it kind of funny how its discouraged to bring religion/political conversation into the workplace but shouting out a big "Thank you!" gratitude prayer to God, during the mid-day rush, doesn't get a second thought- never mind a strange look. I did take note of it today. Sometimes I wonder what it means to others when they "thank God"... Come to think of it, I did see a "Have you thanked God today?" bumper sticker on the road, in front of me, just this morning. I wonder if that person thanks God everyday...

With all this thought about gratitude towards The Almighty God, I want to practice giving thanks today. Here's the thing- I want to give thanks for the uncommon. I want to give thanks for that which I wouldn't regularly or normally think to give thanks for.

Here it goes- not just a phrase but a real thank you God-

Father, thank you that I've never been hospitalized for any illness, surgery, or medical mystery of sorts. My body is healthy, whole, and 98% of the time- truly without pain. This is not the case for a lot of people in the world and I do not count this for granted today. With this thanks, I do want to request that you completely renew that slight percentage that hurts today. But again, thank you for it because it helped me to recognize that my daily painless body is so appreciated. THANK YOU GOD!

Second, I want to thank you for education. Thank you for the ability to listen, process, understand, and gain knowledge. I am in a place where I am learning so much in school. It's often easy to focus on how tough the discipline aspects of studying is instead of focussing on how much you have enabled me to take in about something I knew nothing about just a year ago. Thank you. And forgive me for my attitude that isn't always aligned with this truth. Help me to see this season for what it is- a real gift and privilege.

Lord, thank you for a home. Not only does my family reside in shelter, but we reside in a house more thank fitting to keep us safe. We are in luxury with things and devices that are completely unnecessary for survival. Extras! Many times I look at what we don't have but today I want to bring you PRAISE for you have allotted me an abundance. A great abundance. Thank you. May I never forget this.

Thank you for the past. Today you brought to mind a couple of people I haven't seen in a while. These were significant relationships that I no longer have the time or ability to grow/move forward with. I want to thank you for the time and grace you gave me to form those relationships in the past. I want to recognize that your love was the only reason I was able to spend the time I did with the people that I miss so much. Thank you for memories. Thank you for lessons learned. And thank you for opportunity to invest and to receive great blessings.

In the great words of Frontline- "You have given to me more than I deserve. Even when I only took from you, you still gave."

Thank you, God.

Really.

Grace