Just Say Thank You!

Taking a long deep breath, I realized I had slept the whole night through. Oh thank you Lord! I lay there in the darkness for a few seconds longer, until a few more breaths triggered the realization of a smell that was all too familiar: COFFEE!

I really had slept all night long, which meant my hubby was up before me and the coffee was ready. Now I was on my feet and the gift of this moment hit me. I was fully awake, fully ready for this day to begin. Oh my, this really does feel wonderful Lord! Sleep is a gift and all I can say is—Thank You, Thank You!

I call out to the Lord, and
 He answers me from His holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
Psalm 3:4-5 NIV

Recently, I have noticed an appreciation for some of the finer gifts from God. Maybe a better description would be God’s “simple gifts.” Sleep being a good example. I have come to cherish a life that is calmer, where more attention is given to the natural way God sets things in motion. It is my desire to try and be more consistent. I want to try to stay clear of things that are flashy, fleeting and often unpredictable. I have learned, what may seem like bright and shiny quick fixes are often just the opposite. I place a greater value on God’s creative plan and design; much more so than man’s. It’s really is that simple.

The past year’s journey has solidified this point. Unexpected events brought us to a new home in a new town. God’s hands guided and was waiting so that we ended up exactly where He wanted, in His hands. But for me, there was a journey within the journey. The segue was of a different sort, a new autoimmune disease.

Sorting through the new doctors, the probabilities, the choices and finally a severe reaction to the biologics, was and still is the unpredictable side to this new illness. But today, waking from a natural, full night’s sleep, once again shows God’s simple gifts are the best. I can’t help but feel incredibly blessed for these finer things in my life. Sleep, health, natural food, a comfortable home, coffee. It may seem like an odd list, but this morning it’s one worthy of my gratitude. I take each day, and each of these things as reason to be grateful. They are now part of my story. However, just saying “thank you” hardly seems enough.

Maybe I am feeling that way because of the one incredible part of our move that I haven’t mentioned yet. It is true, God placed us right where He wanted us, but it is what was waiting for us as we investigated our move that made it abundantly clear, this was absolutely the house for us. And if you would drive up for a visit you would probably agree…

Spanning the entire width of the house is one of the biggest and most welcoming front porches I have ever seen. It is wide and symmetrical with rockers on one side and chairs and tables on the other side. Then when you walk around back, there’s an even bigger porch. A fantastic writing porch. Seriously, in my heart of hearts, just saying thank you can never be enough. God has blessed abundantly.

In recent days, as I have been trying to get my energy back, the gift of the porch has been a source of encouragement and strength for me. Partly because it is confirmation that the Lord saw all this coming. Even this part of my needing to rest for a while. He also knew the depth and the desires of my heart.

Could it be that it does His heart good to see the joy it brings? I can’t help but ponder this question. You see, the Lord and I have a history of meeting together on porches. It goes all the way back to when He first stepped into my life when I wasn’t but about 4 years old. And now, He has given me my very own porch. Two porches! No wonder from the moment we arrived it felt like I was coming home.

He had prepared my heart for this place, well before we arrived. What a healing reminder of His love, His strength and His purpose. This place was meant to be more than a home, it was meant to be a place where stories are shared and credit is given to the Lord who continues loving and writing the stories He wants written. Thank You, Lord!

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1 NIV