Ordinary Blessings ...

I could hear in my mind the tumbling of the dryer with that familiar sound of metal meeting metal as the lovely lady sitting across from me described her dilemma. It seems her husband failed to recognize a simple act of fastening the metal clasps on his work overalls would relieve a great annoyance for her.

As our time together continued, she shared about how the Lord changed her perspective. She realized it was her husband’s energy and zest for life that allowed him to continue working. God had restored his health, blessed them with meaningful work and a beautiful home. It was the Lord’s loving kindness to them that even allowed a clanging dryer and tangled garments.

Reflecting on that conversation I was reminded of this:

Know that the Lord is God …
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
-Psalm 100:3a, 4-5 NIV

It was a simple task, a routine chore. Yet she learned to act out the Word of God, putting into living color by praising Him for blessings hidden in the ordinary. I found myself considering, “What it is that annoys me? Where do I need to take a step back, view from a different angle, and recognize the blessing rather than the surface?”

We are privileged, even invited to enter the presence of God, the Creator of all things! And how awesome it is that He clearly shows us how to get there:

Enter his gates with THANKSGIVING
And his courts with PRAISE …

You turned my wailing into dancing
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. –Psalm 30:11-2 NIV

My sister learned to enter His presence even while handling laundry! So I wonder, what’s your story? Have you discovered new things for which to be thankful? I’d love for you to share it with me! Why do I ask? Because …

… I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: each of us will be a blessing to the other. –Romans 12:1b The Living Bible

Blessings …
Tanja Dufrene
Women’s Ministries
Lakeside-Highpointe