Continuing this blog, there are some difficult things going on as well. As our relationships with nationals are growing, we are impacted deeply by the broken families that compose the majority of La Fe. The abandoned women, children, and families... Cases of dengue are popping up everywhere. Our fridge beeps nonstop - annoying. The owner of our house is raising the rent price. We will be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas away from our families. My allergies are ridiculous right now. We are still not parents. For some reason, ants have begun to show their little selves more often in our home. We are so thankful for all of these things!
[4] For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, [5] for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
(1 Timothy 4:4-5 ESV)
See that, "everything created by God". "Nothing is to be rejected." Ants, dengue, allergies, barrenness, beeping fridges - everything is to be received with THANKSGIVING.
[17] I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the LORD.
(Psalm 116:17 ESV)
So, thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Thanksgiving isn't always easy or happy. It's something I must practice and it's not always fun.
[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
(Philippians 4:6 ESV)
That doesn't mean that I have to say thank you for ants, allergies, not having children, dengue and the deaths it can cause... but it does mean that I look to see God at work in and through them. I may not be able to see Him at work and that is where faith comes in.
[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
(Colossians 4:2 ESV)
I must be watchful (look to see) with thanksgiving. Who am I to say God's purpose in closing my womb? What right do I have to question His choices and actions? If I am truly His, I am able to look at all things with thanksgiving - including the beeping fridge and ants.
Don't get me wrong, I do not walk around saying, "Thank you for that beep of the fridge, and that one too," but I must tell my heart to be thankful and practice it each moment.