1 Thessalonians 5:18

Well, it has been some time since I last posted. I wish I could say that in the resulting 7 weeks, we have made significant progress in the cleanup and recovery process. Alas, I cannot. Instead, God has been teaching me what He meant in 1 Thess 5:18 when He (through Paul) said "In everything, give thanks." Four simple words with so much power and authority. In the midst of my frustration and pain of dealing with the fire, I find myself challenged. I have never struggled to give God thanks for all the good things in my life. Something wonderful happens and I say "Thank you, Lord, for this blessing. Thank you for loving me and giving me these good things." God has been showing me that this is only half of the effort required. I focus on the word "EVERYTHING" and am convicted to give thanks for all the bad things as well. "Thank you, God, for allowing these bad, unpleasant things to happen so that I can become more and more dependent on You and Your strength. Thank you for pushing me to grow in love and patience and understanding, both for You and for others in my life."

I have not yet mastered this great command. I may never "arrive" in this lifetime. That's ok. The important thing is that I TRY and God has richly blessed me in the process. I have been given opportunities to do so many things for His glory and to find joy in places that I wouldn't have even looked if I hadn't been seeking the strength to give praise and listening to God's gentle guidance. He truly knows what is best for me and I CELEBRATE in that knowledge. It is SO freeing to accept that I don't have to have it all under control or figured out. I am learning (over and over again) to LET GO AND LET GOD. There are times when I get impatient and wrench control back from God, as if I could somehow do better. :/ How marvelous that He doesn't give up and leave me to my own devices!