Are you Thankful?

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
    I will sing your praises before the gods.

Psalm 138:1 

 

 

This last few week has been hectic and draining.  And I took time over the weekend to think, and my mind tends to have ideas and memories popping up like prairie dogs, and when I try to hang on to one, it's gone again.  But I remembered one of the better memories.  

I remember talking with a family about the funeral service for their family member.  We opened with prayer and I asked God to shower us with His peace and Strength as we dealt with this painful situation.  Right before I said "Amen" the 9 year-old-granddaughter jumped right in and started praying.  I expected her to pray that God would take care of her Grandfather, and she did, but then the most amazing prayer I had heard came out of that child's heart.  

She told God that her heart hurt because her grandpa was not with her anymore, BUT she was grateful for every moment God allow them to spend together.  She thanked God for all the smiles they had shared.  She thanked God for the Pepsi with peanuts treat he has share with her.  She thanked God for the times he would teach her.  She thanked God for the times they went fishing and he made her put the squishy worm on the hook.  She thanked God for the times her grandpa snored so loud the whole house shook.  She went on like this for half an hour, and then closed with "But I know ya'll will get to have more good times together too now.  Thank you."

I would be lying if I denied being ashamed because my prayers had been piously asking for things, and this dear sweet child was telling God how much she appreciated Him and all He had shared with her through her grandfather.

My challenge for you this week is not to ask God for more than you are thankful for.  If you ask for 10 things, tell God how thankful you are for 10 things.