“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
How often am I reminded of this verse when I find myself not being thankful for the great and the small things. Here’s an example of my need to just “chill” and remember all the Lord has done for me — and that’s a lot!
Prit has a prayer blanket. No, I didn’t say a prayer shawl. It’s a prayer blanket. My husband takes one of our extra blankets and lays it on the floor at the foot of our bed to pray. This is great, except that our bedroom is pretty small. I can’t get around to that part of the room when my husband’s praying. Also, he often forgets to pick up the blanket when he’s finished talking to the Lord. I always end up picking it up and putting it back on the bed.
The other morning, I picked up the blanket for the umpteenth time and put it back on the bed. This time I did it with a huff, however. I was irritated that he didn’t remember that I live in the room too and was just plain tired of having to do his job. It’s amazing how the little things (the Bible calls them the “little foxes”) can become irritants to us.
After a while, I began feeling pretty selfish. I chose to give thanks instead, and did I have things for which to be thankful. Here’s my list: I hope it will help you stop in your tracks today and give thanks for all the Lord has given you that you may be taking for granted.
- I thank the Lord that I have a praying husband.
- I thank the Lord that, after two brain hemorrhages, and being told that he would never be more than a vegetable (if he even woke up!), that my husband is still here with me.
- I’m thankful that he’s such a good role model for me.
- I’m thankful that he uses an old blanket, not our nicer ones.
The night before Prit’s crisis in 2010, the last thing I remember before I drifted off to sleep, was seeing my husband at the end of the bed on his knees praying. What an awesome miracle it is that his prayers are still making their way heavenward.
You want to know where my husband is right now? Yep, you guessed it: on his prayer blanket.
Rehoboth Ministries 
It never ceases to amaze me the “little” things the devil can cause us to get just a bit upset about. I am so glad you have your husband and so thankful he is a praying man. You are a blessed woman, He is a blessed man, for you too are a praying woman. Love you much.
Hey Myrtle, Thank you for such kind words. It means a lot to me, because I would love for my prayer life to be as exemplary as yours. 🙂