I have many defaults. Perhaps they are ruts. I’d rather think of them as routines, a slice of comfort in hectic world. I have a default pair of jeans, a default fleece pullover, default shoes, etc. Even a default hair style. I walk and drive the same routes, order the same drink at Starbucks, and pump gas at the station next to a frequented Target.
This is simplicity, it makes my life easier and it’s reassuring.
Sure, I change my routine every now and then. There are additions, minor adjustments. I may go from habitually wearing the sea-green fleece to wearing the fuzzy pink sweater. I might add “fake bangs” so my default pony-tail is not quite so dull. This Saturday, I made scrambled eggs instead of sunny side up. It was wrong, and I won’t make that mistake again.
Yesterday, I realized how extensively this carries over into my spiritual life in the matter of thanksgiving. Obviously, it’s that time of year to consider what I’m grateful for, to thank G-d for His many blessings, etc. I confess that 9 times out of 10 this reflection is done half-heartedly, out of obligation and perhaps insincerely. Sure, I’m thankful for a paycheck, a place live, my friends and family. But as my natural self, I am restless, unsatisfied and discontent. Reflecting on my blessings as things takes me down a destructive road, despondent and selfish.
But it is not the blessings themselves to which we should be responding; it’s the Giver. We see this in Job’s response to his trials.
This is simplicity, it makes my life easier and it’s reassuring.
Sure, I change my routine every now and then. There are additions, minor adjustments. I may go from habitually wearing the sea-green fleece to wearing the fuzzy pink sweater. I might add “fake bangs” so my default pony-tail is not quite so dull. This Saturday, I made scrambled eggs instead of sunny side up. It was wrong, and I won’t make that mistake again.
Yesterday, I realized how extensively this carries over into my spiritual life in the matter of thanksgiving. Obviously, it’s that time of year to consider what I’m grateful for, to thank G-d for His many blessings, etc. I confess that 9 times out of 10 this reflection is done half-heartedly, out of obligation and perhaps insincerely. Sure, I’m thankful for a paycheck, a place live, my friends and family. But as my natural self, I am restless, unsatisfied and discontent. Reflecting on my blessings as things takes me down a destructive road, despondent and selfish.
But it is not the blessings themselves to which we should be responding; it’s the Giver. We see this in Job’s response to his trials.
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
May the name of the Lord be praised.” (1:21)
And, what I’ve found this Thanksgiving season, reflecting on Him – His holiness, faithfulness, grace, love, mercy, etc., directs my thoughts to the outpourings of His goodness in my life, and what really can be counted as the only true blessings. It is the internal transformation and external manifestations of His presence that are His favor, His blessings, which He freely bestows on all called into fellowship with Him.
Everything else is just stuff.
However, I’m still in default-mode. My cognitive expressions for all spiritual impressions are to worship Him in two manners – song and prayer. And, like all my other defaults, even with fresh eyes, they can still become ruts. Singing quickly becomes something I do in the shower to annoy my loud neighbors. Prayers for small blessings (stuff) are rote and routine. Unless or until it is something Really Big or Important, I do not think to thank Him, thus I fail to reflect on His character, fail to be drawn into His presence and experience the joy of knowing my true blessings.
I’m finding much of what I contemplate goes back to finding rest in His strength. A right understanding and response to His blessings requires drawing into His presence and acting out of His transforming power.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to G-d the Father through him.” Col. 3:17
However, I’m still in default-mode. My cognitive expressions for all spiritual impressions are to worship Him in two manners – song and prayer. And, like all my other defaults, even with fresh eyes, they can still become ruts. Singing quickly becomes something I do in the shower to annoy my loud neighbors. Prayers for small blessings (stuff) are rote and routine. Unless or until it is something Really Big or Important, I do not think to thank Him, thus I fail to reflect on His character, fail to be drawn into His presence and experience the joy of knowing my true blessings.
I’m finding much of what I contemplate goes back to finding rest in His strength. A right understanding and response to His blessings requires drawing into His presence and acting out of His transforming power.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to G-d the Father through him.” Col. 3:17
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