Here we are on the eve of Thanksgiving, or you may be reading this on Thanksgiving Day, and I'd like to express my abundant thanks to all who are in my life and allowing me to make an impact in their lives. We as Christians are in a unique community of love. We are on the outside, "In the world, but not a part of it." Funny, I've heard that phrase for years, quoted it myself, but when I search for it in the bible, I can never find it. Anyone who wants to let me know where it says that, you would do me a service.
I just finished watching a documentary on TV that was about people who have been laid off from their jobs and took it as an opportunity. Made significant changes to become something else other than what they had been pursuing for who knows how many years. In each of their stories, one thing stood out, they were all grateful for the chance that being unemployed gave them. Some went into business, others did volunteer work, one person even started a website that helps guide people who are looking for work. Some got mad initially, sure. But they didn't rest on their situation. They acted, moved forward.
I believe that my sobriety was, in a way, similar to what they did. It wasn't forced on me, no. But it was something that I had to decide for myself. I was shown a new path, and I've been walking it ever since, except when I had to be carried (catch the footprints reference?). But each day is a choice to continue walking, just as each day is a choice to continue following Jesus.
One of the differences between a secular person and a Christian (I won't speak for other religions, as I haven't studied them and made my choice) is that, if something happens, someone pulls the proverbial rug out from under you, quite often the secular person is lost. A part of their identity has been removed. Divorce, loss of job, children growing up, death of a loved one. All people, including many Christians tend to rely on these things for their identity. I'm a father, husband, warehouse worker, lawyer, republican, democrat, alcoholic, drug addict, depressive... We've turned these things into what we are, and they are all temporary.
What happens when you get married? Two become one in the eyes of God. We pour ourselves into it, we identify ourselves as married and we latch onto it. These are all good things. They are the right things to do in any line of thinking. But, after so many years of this identity, what happens with a divorce? The bottom falls out of our own identity.
I know, what does this have to do with being thankful? You're getting me down here. The answer is Jesus Christ. He is the one thing out there that will not fail you. He will not leave you, divorce you, fire you, He won't grow up and move out leaving an empty nest. If anything happens in your relationship with Him, it will be you turning from Him. Then He will wait patiently for you to open up to Him again. If you stumble and fall, He will help you back up. If I relapse and take a drink, He will be waiting for me to ask for Him. He will always be there.
I truly don't have the ability to express just how grateful I am for Him. To have Jesus in my life provides me the strength to continue. To know that His forgiveness is eternal no matter the worst I have done or will do (and I've done some doosies) is amazing.
I'm grateful for so many other things as well. My wife and family, the roof over our heads, food on our table, the job that provides the money for these things. The support of my parents and their willingness to step up and help. Good friends that have been with me through some very difficult times. Two sisters that have never (to the best of my knowledge, never) denied me as their brother. A church family and small group that supports me and encourages me in my Christian growth. The freedoms provided for in the Constitution. I could go on and on. These things are important, and provided for me by the love and grace of a perfect God who knows exactly what I need and when I need it.
(I'm thankful for spellcheck, too)
Thank You for your Blog today Cameron. We read it out loud and then used the message in our traditional Thanksgiving, going around the room, each person saying "I am thankful for..."Your blog really brought the message that all those things they are thankful for comes back around to being thankful to God and Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you so much, Alisa. I feel honored that my writing could have had an impact on others. I pray that Jesus continues to guide my thoughts to continue the power of Christ in other's lives.
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