God gave me the opportunity to visit Uruguay and during our stay, there was a severe storm. Looking out of the window, I once again realised how privileged I was to have a roof over my head and dressed warmly, whilst many others were without shelter. Later in the same week, we visited a restaurant, where we enjoyed a warm meal. Not satisfied with the preparation of my food, the evening concluded with me being the only one, who did not enjoy the meal. On our way to the car, I noticed the car guard who was standing in the cold, waiting for the guests to leave and it “hit” me again. I had a warm meal, in a fancy restaurant and had a car to drive me to the hotel, yet I continued to complain about my meat not prepared to my satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong, one should not pay and keep quiet about a meal not well prepared. In my case, I was overly finicky and realised soon, when looking at the car guard, how ungrateful I have been.
Many might say that to eat out, have a car and a secure job, comes with commitment and hard work. Yes, that is true and it sometimes also comes with sacrifice, working for many hours at the office and often having little free time. All the above is true, but we must never become content with what we have. To have had the opportunity to go to school, obtain a qualification, have a job and earn a salary is not a given, it is a gift from God. It says in Deuteronomy 8:18: “But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
As I reflect on my own life journey, I become more aware of God’s gifts in my life. Let me share a few things with you, and ask you to also reflect on your own life whilst you read:
- My mother and father took care of me, fed me, clothed me, loved me, protected me and mentored me. Were there disagreements and unhappiness? Yes, off course there was. No parent and no child is perfect and know it all. I am thankful for the footprints of my parents in my life, for it nurtured me, guided me and strengthened me to face life’s challenges.
- I had the opportunity to go to school and complete my high school education. Did I enjoy school? Definitely not high school, for many reasons not important now. Let’s just say that my best day at school was my last day of school. However, I was committed, did my best and passed with flying colours. I am thankful that my school education laid the foundation for my future career.
- We had no money for higher education, so I had to get a job after school. I also wanted to study after school, but I am thankful that I found a job within a month of application. I earned a salary and that job, set my direction for a career.
- I married when I was young. Many might have disagreed back then, but from an early age, I knew exactly what I wanted for my life. So, when my true love stepped into my heart and God confirmed our future, I married my husband. Smooth rides every day? No, that only happens in the movies! However, I am thankful for his continued love, motivation, support, protection and being a wonderful father to our children.
- Higher education and training was granted to me through my workplace and I had the opportunity to study for 5 years, obtaining 3 different qualifications, not to mention other training opportunities. Was it easy? Definitely not, because it involved a high level of commitment, to work and study after hours, with little sleep and less family time. However, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet new people, broaden my knowledge, grow in character, obtain leadership and management skills and that it gave me the opportunity to apply and be accepted for promotion.
- After working for the department that we do, we were given the opportunity, to serve our country overseas. We had to leave our home, children and now grandchild behind. Cost of living is expensive and we miss buying from our favourite stores and eating the traditional food from our home land. All said, I am thankful that we can meet new people, experience diverse cultures and represent our country with pride.
I have shared just some of the things that I am thankful for. I realise that other people might not have had the happy childhood, education, family and all the opportunities that I had. I agree, life is full of the good, the bad and the ugly and for some, more so than for others. However, I want to encourage you, to take some time to, in your mind, rewind your own life. Yes, the bad will also come up, but look deeper and go find the good, the nice and the blessings, making those your memories. From the bad, take away life experience and let it grow you, instead of allowing it to pull you down. The past happened and we can’t change that, but we can use it to change our future, with each one of us, taking up that responsibility for ourselves. The good news is, we don’t have to do it alone. Jesus Christ is there to hold us, guide us, help us and be with us, every step of the way, both in the good and more challenging times. I chose Him to help me. Have you? If not, and you want to invite Jesus into your heart, you can follow this link: https://test.jesustomyrescue.com/accept-jesus/.
Dear reader, as we live life, we will face hardships and challenges. However, with Jesus Christ as your Saviour, there will be nothing that you won’t be able to manage (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let us daily, become more aware and thankful for the gift of life, as many no longer has that privilege. Christ in me, has given me a new perspective on life and brought me to a point of being more thankful in all circumstances. I now understand Paul’s motivation in Philippians 4:12, a little better: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”
Father God, thank You for giving us Your son Jesus Christ, so that those who accept Him, can have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ, thank You for setting us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Father God, thank You for all our blessings and Your promise that no matter what we will have to face in life, You will never leave us, nor forsake us (Joshua 1:5). Thank You Father God, for the gift of life. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen!
Love in Christ, Princess K