What a whirlwind of a week it has been! I’ve experienced an emotional rollercoaster—some days seemed to drag on endlessly, while others felt like a refreshing breeze. Through all the chaos, I’ve been reminded of the profound blessings I’ve encountered, particularly in the form of personal ministry opportunities and the time spent lost in the pages of a good book or scribbling my thoughts and reflections. These activities have a unique way of bringing me back to a place of grounding and peace.
As I sit here reflecting on this week, I can’t shake off the impactful message from my pastor’s sermon last Sunday. It has sparked a few critical questions that have been lingering in my mind, nudging me to dig deeper into my spiritual journey:
- Am I truly content with where I am?
- Do I possess a servant’s heart ready to help others?
- Am I finding rest and relying on God in every season of life?
These are not just idle musings; instead, they serve as essential check-ins for my soul. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the chaos around us, losing sight of life’s genuine essence and what truly matters.
This morning, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking quote from John Broadus that resonated deeply within me: “An unthankful and complaining spirit is an abiding sin against God, and a cause of almost continual unhappiness; and yet how common such a spirit is. How prone we seem to be to forget the good that life knows, and remember and brood over its evil – to forget its joys, and think only of its sorrows – to forget thankfulness, and remember only to complain.”
How strikingly accurate this observation is! In our daily lives, we often find ourselves focusing on what’s going wrong rather than embracing and celebrating the countless blessings we possess. It serves as a crucial reminder for me to cultivate a heart of gratitude, cherishing the gifts that God has provided—even amid struggles and uncertainties.
As this week comes to a close, my prayer is to find rest in God’s grace while holding onto a grateful spirit. I encourage all of us to take a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of thankfulness in our everyday lives.
So here’s to seeking true contentment and continually recognizing the infinite blessings that surround us! Let’s carry this spirit into the week ahead, ready to embrace whatever comes our way with open hearts and grateful souls!
Debbie Swindell 