Thankfulness, Fickleness, and the Empty Tomb

 

Some days I just have to sit in thankfulness…

It’s been a busy couple of days, yes—but also productive. And as I sit here in the basement cooling off, because it’s not as hot down here from all the cooking today, I’m just trying to pause… and be thankful.

Mainly, I just want to sit in thankfulness for all the LORD has done in my life—and for the work of JESUS CHRIST.

It’s so easy to take salvation for granted… isn’t that crazy?

And yet, even as I think on that—the greatest thing I should be thankful for—my cup still overflows.

Because at various times in my life, I would have loved to be in the moment I’m in right now…

— Sabina is not in the hospital… in fact, she’s been more stable than she’s been in a while

— my basement is not flooded or my house torn apart

— credit card debt is paid off

— work is stable—and even if it’s busy, it’s been more productive and rewarding lately

— my basement is not just intact, but functional, comfortable, and enjoyable to be in

— my garden is off to a good start… organized, on top of things, and even though not everything is sprouting, I can learn for next year

And I could go on…

There’s laughter in the home.

We’re discovering new shows to enjoy together.

We get to go to the movies when we can…

and there’s even a real thought that we might go camping this year—LORD willing.

A full refrigerator despite rising grocery prices…

and the LORD has wired me with enough hobbies that boredom really shouldn’t exist.

Sabina is even excited about getting back to the gun range—learning to shoot left-handed to work around her port. How cool is that?

And yet…

The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away.

So even as I sit here in abundance… even with very real and heavy things still present in our family… I’m reminded that my hope and my joy are not ultimately rooted in any of these things.

Because all of these things can turn to dust.

Instead, I pray the LORD gives me strength to fix my eyes on CHRIST.

To treasure Him…

to magnify Him…

to enjoy Him…

and to shine His light on the eternal souls He has placed in my path.

It’s amazing how easily I can forget all that I have… and immediately find the next thing to be annoyed about. I know how easy it is—because I’m prone to it all the time.

And maybe the craziest thing of all that I take for granted…

is the empty tomb.

The tomb is empty… and because of that, my hope is not.

LORD, increase my faith.

We are an Easter people all year long ... be well church.

His,
Matthew