For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
November Days of Thanks was a series I participated in last year on Instagram. Each day I shared a picture that reflected something for which I am grateful – family, fall, etc. I’ll be posting photos in the days of thanks campaign again this year, and I invite you to follow along. (You can access my Instagram account through the icon at the top of the page, or look for the widget in the right menu.)
Here on New Day this month, I’ll also be blogging the thankful series each week, offering thanks for blessings granted. Now I could never, EVER contain those to four blog posts, but I will use the space to reflect on what stands out most for me this year. I begin with this blog:
When you aren’t looking, life has a way of sending you down a path you may have never meant to take. I mentioned in last week’s post how faith writing wasn’t something I thought I’d be doing. Now, I don’t think I could see myself committing this gift to any other place. Here is where the fire burns for me. I have to write.
Without God appointment, I wouldn’t be able to write, anyway. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without His favor, His grace, which He generously gives to those who have open hands and a heart to receive. For me, grace is not often announced with balloons or loud party whistles, but as a soft, unexpected whisper. You have to be in position, within spiritual hearing distance, to discern His voice telling you to go. Then, when that seed is planted, take hold, make space for it to grow. Heed the grace.
I’m so thankful for this space, for the gift I’ve been given to express faith through words. It’s been a delight to meet such wonderful friends along the way.
But while I’m thankful for the gift, I must bow to the One who gave it. It’s His gift, His grace that’s bestowed, all so that His name will be glorified on earth as it is in Heaven.
What’s an unexpected grace you are grateful for?
M E L C H E E 