I had a hunch this was how God was leading, but it took a phone call to confirm. My friend Laurie, mid-conversation, says – I think I’m supposed to share this with you. And she’s right.
She talks about Jesus, giving thanks. When he took the few fish and the pieces of bread, and he gave thanks not for poverty, but for plenty. Not for what was, but for what was coming. And then later, the Passover meal. He broke the bread and gave thanks. And it wasn’t for the passion, but for the resurrection. Gratitude not for the miracle, but anticipation of something yet to come.
I received an email two or three weeks ago, from Mike Howard, of Revision Church. I remember it still. He’s quoting Tozer:
Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now.
Mike says, “I want to be intentional in my own life about cultivating both gratefulness and a sense of God’s willing, gracious, abundance…”
This afternoon I sit and think about Laurie’s comments, and Mike’s. And it’s exactly what God has been saying, too. All week. Gratitude is powerful. More than we imagine.
For several weeks I’ve been keeping a journal of Yesterday’s Manna and Today’s Requests. One day at a time. Taking note of God’s mercy and writing it down. Asking only for daily bread.
But now. This challenge. It’s a different perspective. It’s not just today, but beyond. Not so much asking, but praising. For what will be.
These six months have been about survival. One day at a time, and it’s all we can handle. Manna for the desert. Not more. But the day did come when God’s children left the desert for the promised land, and the manna stopped coming. Because abundance took over.
So I guess I’m wondering. Is it time? Time to trade in our manna for milk and honey? Can we take that risk and start thanking now?
I want to. With all my heart I want to.
God. For these boys. Thank you. Thank you for healing hearts and making them whole. Thank you for renewing minds and restoring joy. Thank you for the miracle of shalom. Nothing missing. Nothing broken. Thank you for making us a family. Whole and holy.
Oh, yes. That’s it. Whole and holy. My heart’s desire. Milk and honey.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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