Are You Thank-full?

 

This morning my spiritual director, Bitsy, read a clip from a book, The Art of being Thank-full. It was teaching the power of being intentionally thank-full, as we go. It really smacked me in the face!

My morning, from wake up to my arrival here, at our spiritual direction group, has been "full" of hindrances and grouchiness, on my part.

First, when I woke up, my eyes puffy, then I got on the scale, and I had gained weight on my diet!  Then my husband popped off at me.

Then, on my way to group, a train was blocking the way, so I made a U-turn, and every direction I tried to go, there were traffic issues! I saw three different drivers swerve and almost collide, and another one towards me!

My thoughts about all of this was mainly, "Good-Grief!"

As Bitsy read from her book, I saw a totally different picture of my morning. 

I woke up with puffy eyes, and I was thankful that I was able to lay in bed for 15 extra minutes with a cold pack on my eyes. It felt GOOOD!! Thanks, Jesus! Then my eyes could see! Thanks, Jesus!

When I saw the train, I was able to make a "u-ie" and it made all the construction workers laugh!  Thanks, Jesus!

Then 4 accidents didn't happen! Thanks, Jesus!  And all the red-lights gave me more time to rock out with Bob Dylan! Thanks, Jesus!

And even when Jack popped off, he did it with words that made me happy, because You, Jesus, were showing me that You are opening his eyes to something I have been praying about! Thank You, Jesus!

WOW!! I am TOO excited!!!  😁 And, Oh Yeah! The weight I have gained has made me appreciate others who have struggled, so when I am thin and beautiful, I won't be "all that!"

Ha! Ha!

Breath to Breath

Bring yourself to Me.

Reach out with all your strength,

In Me all Hope is found,

Never-ending Life,

God's mercy on the Tree.

Breathe in My never-ending Rest.

Realize the Life I have placed in you.

Everything I am is in you.

Access is yours.

Trust in Me.

Heaven is in each breath.

Tenderness is under My wing.

Oaks of righteousness grow eternally in that safe place, and sing.

Absolute Love, absolute Life, absolutely

Listens to each breath, and

Lifts you into the Land of perfect affection.

An affection

So deep it can never be removed.

You are Mine.

Oceans demonstrate mystery of My love.

Under-currents are strong drawing you deeper.

Go with the currents, as I release you

Out to ride the waves of Joy, crashing over others, drawing them deeper, too!

by Anna Marie Sheffield

2017