Giving thanks is not always as easy as it sounds especially for those who are suffering a terrible illness or facing difficult circumstances. Perhaps they've lost their jobs or even the roof over their heads. Others may be struggling just to put food on the table. Surprisingly, these are the ones who are fervent in their thanks and gratitude.
I was thinking about this as I was stuffing my face with turkey, and all the other traditional side dishes. It was easy for me to say a prayer of thanks for all my blessings. I was surrounded by loving friends and I was blessed again when my extended family including my son and his wife joined us for left-overs. Our dining room table was filled with love, laughter and perfect harmony.
There were also memories of those I lost who were no longer physically sitting at my dinner table. But, I can still see their smiles; feel their spirit and remember all the prayers they said for me and my family. I believe they still are. After all, they've got Higher Connections now.
There's always an extra chair. It remained empty but I never stop praying that one day she will surprise us all with her beautiful smile and loving heart and say, "I'm back." No matter where I am or what I'm doing I always miss her.
I'm in constant prayer for her and realize I'm asking for a miracle.I'm sure God has answered me over and over again and I refuse to listen to what He's telling me. For some reason He's telling me "NO. It's not the right time." But when? I ask with a desperation that threatens my faith.
Maybe it's the Italian in me and my stubborn traits come out. I'm just not willing to hear the music when things aren't going the way I want them.
I think this may be true for all of us. We get discouraged and even angry in not getting our prayers anwered immediately. We're not used to waiting for anything. We live in a society that doesn't even like to wait in line or wait for our dinner to arrive after a certain amount of time. I believe a very impatient person must have invented the microwave.
Maybe I've lost the KEY: To hear the music and listen to the song down deep in my heart and Hear ONLY His Voice. I suppose many would call this blind faith. A strong belief that no matter how things appear at the moment things will get better and work for our highest good. Believe and ye shall receive. My mother always said to give thanks BEFORE a prayer was answered. And she was so confident and so grateful even before it actually came to pass. She never felt discouraged and remained faithful. Her heart was filled with music and she heard a never ending supply of music only she could hear. I vow to never stop searching for it; listening for it.
I understand that Giving Thanks isn't reserved for one day and instead of viewing all the things that I don't have or what's missing in my life I will focus on what is right in front of me. Yes, I give thanks for everything and everyone in my life. I'm humbled by all that He has given me. I marvel at the prayers He has answered and duck my head in shame when I hear my negative thoughts.
I believe that every person who has crossed my path has been placed there for a reason. And there must also be a reason for those who aren't beside me at this moment in time. I trust Him. He knows things I can't possibly understand.
So the next time you see me dancing, I'm trying to listen to the music that's buried in my heart; the one that likes to play hide and seek on me. I'm trying to listen to His Voice; His Will, nstead of my own.
Join me next time and if you can hear His music, we'll dance the gift of Thanks and Promise together.
