I knew this semester would be busy. I
knew I needed to be prepared. I was eager to do the work set before me, excited
for the opportunity to intentionally show Christ’s love to others. I was confident
in my capabilities, certain that a comfortable equilibrium could be achieved in
a busy life through planning and diligence. How pleased the Lord would be that
I could handle so well everything he had given me this semester.
Within a week of beginning my busy, but
well-planned life, I was exhausted, discouraged. My mind continually running
through lists and responsibilities, I found my joy and eagerness to intentionally love others diminishing at a frightening rate.
Being an RA, I returned to school early
for training. I spent the time when I had no training responsibilities to read Ann
Voskamp’s book, “One Thousand Gifts”. The book examines the need to live a life
of thankfulness to God. There is joy to be found in praising God for all he is
and the blessings he continually gives.
How void of thanks my life has been
since starting a new school year. My joy is not found in “doing” for God. My joy is found
in Christ, and my “doing” should be an overflow of thanksgiving. How beautiful and freeing.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And
whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.” –Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV)
Let gratitude to God saturate my soul,
filling the cracks in my heart before they become deeper and wider.
