Why am I so blessed? My conversation with a young prison inmate left me reminiscing over my childhood. My parents modeled right and wrong and loved my sister and me and each other—blessings I took for granted growing up. Spending time with those who’d never tasted those basics adjusted my thinking.
Gratitude comes more naturally for some than for others. But we can all learn to cultivate it. We don’t have to spend time with those who have less to recognize the gifts we’ve overlooked, but opening our eyes to other’s trials can make us aware of our blessings.
Larry’s parents owned and managed a small grocery store. They worked long hours and never had a lot to show for it. One day Larry, a typical teen, whined over not having the most popular brand of sports shoes. His dad invited him to join him on a ride. He walked with Larry down a street where the homeless of Phoenix lived. Larry saw a man navigating the sidewalk on a homemade skateboard. Stumps had replaced his legs. Larry felt the strength in his own legs, and name brand tennis shoes lost their luster.
Naomi Needed Perspective
In the book of Ruth, Naomi said, “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21 NIV). A famine had prompted Naomi’s family to flee Bethlehem. While away, her husband and two sons had died. Her loss made her realize her former life with her family and little food had been full after all.
The manufacturer of my dog’s medicine is out. I ordered their food November first. I got a notice half of it was finally mailed on the 22nd. Short supply chains and rising prices can rouse fears in those of us who’ve lived in the land of plenty. But it doesn’t have to.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Our Father wants to take care of us. He’s the source of all we need (Ps. 23:1). When life is smooth, sometimes we overlook our gifts and the Giver. Choosing gratitude helps us recognize our daily blessings and reminds us to focus on the Giver of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17).
Choosing gratitude helps us recognize our daily #blessings and reminds us to focus on the Giver of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17). #Thanksgiving Click To TweetThanksgiving provides an excellent opportunity to count our blessings—even the ones that don’t feel like gifts in the moment. Naomi came to see, even in her losses, she hadn’t come home empty. Her daughter-in-law Ruth who accompanied her was better than seven sons.
God wants to meet our material and emotional needs too. Let’s look to Him and thank Him for His constant care.
Larry and I appreciate you! Your gifts and prayers helped us reach our matching funds. This well-timed boost blessed us and our ministry. May the Lord bless you!
Big God Blessings
Would you like to learn more about how Ruth and Naomi experienced a Big God? Little Women, Big God explores the lives of the women named in Jesus’s genealogy—including Mary. A perfect read and gift this holiday season. Both Big God books are currently 25% off at Christianbook.com.
What others have said:
I found myself unable to put Little Faith, Big God down and yet, reading and re-reading each chapter, researching Bible verses and reading beyond those noted. Ms. Wilson’s enthralling combination of her thoughts, biblical knowledge and requests to think for yourself is refreshing and reviving. I am most grateful that this book has become a part of my library and life.” ~ Review
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Happy Thanksgiving,
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#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory #Recharge Wednesday, #Grace&Truth,
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Regardless of how things look in the world – we have much to be grateful for. God is truly good – all the time. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving Debbie.
Yes He is, Ann. I hope you have a wonderful holiday too!
Thanksgiving is a great time to remember how blessed we are and how great our God is.
I’m thankful our country still pauses to offer thanks. Thanks, Nancy.
Hi Debbie,
It’s interesting that Naomi realized her full capacity despite having sought refuge from a famine. I’d never considered that before.
I’m grateful that God is a Lord of provision.
Many blessings in this season,
Tammy
Naomi is a great example of how we can allow our circumstances to skew our perception of God and of life. Have a wonderful, Thanksgiving, Tammy!
What a great study, the story of Ruth and Naomi, in light of all that has happened and continues to go on in our nation and the world. Many blessings this Thanksgiving to you and yours. May we all reflect and be more thankful and trusting in our “Big God.”
Amen! Thank you, Donna. May you have a wonderful time of Thanksgiving too.
As someone who, like the young prison inmate you referred to, I too tasted some of the less savory aspects of human life in my younger years. I can remember, be in circumstance or lack of desire for achieving anything more, there were times when my biological family would have done without had it not been for the kindness of others and “Commodities” (what government food handouts [beans, instant milk, peanut butter, horsemeat, etc.] was called back in those days). I think all of it left a young fella that was pretty scarred up and bitter. God changed all that when He brought me the answer to many years of prayers, in the form of an adoptive family. I’ve long believed, “The bad makes the good better.” Happy Thanksgiving; and thank you so much for this wonderful and encouraging post my friend. God’s blessings.
J.D., that should be a bumper sticker, “The bad makes the good better.” I’ve found it to be true in my life too. Thank you for your encouragement. Those of us who know the Savior have plenty to give thanks over. Happy Thanksgiving!
In the story of Naomi and Ruth, I think we often focus more on Ruth and the happy ending. It’s important to recognize how God worked in Naomi’s life. As your messge points out, Naomi’s experiences teach us a wonderful lesson about how God sees our needs and sends us blessings. Your message helps us remember to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, Debbie ad family.
Thank you, Katherine. I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Counting our blessings has many advantages. It’s hard to be in a bad mood when we remember how much God has blessed us with. Thanks for sharing!
Well said, Sarah! What a wonderful benefit.
It is always a good time to count our blessings. I imagine God must have been chuckling as Naomi returned home, knowing the blessings he was going to heap on her. She came home without her sons and husband, but she had many blessings yet to come.
Yes she did, Theresa! Including being written about in the Bible. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
We can become so accustomed to what we have we forget how blessed we are. Seeing those in need can open our eyes and not only remind us of our gifts, but also give us hearts of benevolence to help the poor. God told the Israelites when they became full not to forget where their provision came from. This is a lesson for us too.
Barbara, I’m glad you reminded us of that. I guess it is a weakness of human nature. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Debbie, when we grow accustomed to our blessings, I think it’s helpful to notice those who have less. However, as you said, with God’s myriad blessings, we can have grateful hearts every day.
Jeannie, that’s so true. What will I choose to focus on? Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for sharing this blessed message today. I appreciate your insights and encouragement within. Blessings.
Thank you, Paula! I always appreciate when you drop by.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
And to you, Melissa!