Give Thanks to the Lord

For the past several months, we have been working with (a) to learn some memory verses.  I chose some key Biblical truths that I really wanted him to learn to stand on, and one by one he has memorized them.  But more importantly that just memorizing words, we have wanted him to learn what they MEAN and how to use God’s word in our lives, so at any appropriate opportunity, we have used those verses as life applications to help him understand.  When he was scared about some things that were keeping him up at night, we used his verse, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:5).  When he was worried about a situation we remembered, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).  And I try, every chance I get, to quote them to him in my life and situations surrounding our family so that he will see how we apply God’s word in our lives. 

A few weeks ago, there was a little bit of a scare at daycare one afternoon when a car went out of control and missed slamming into the daycare playground by just a few feet.  It happened shortly before I arrived to pick up the boys for the day, and as (a) was retelling the tale to me I didn’t think much about it- he does have his mother’s flare for telling a dramatic story.  But then the daycare owner filled me in a little more, and it really was kind of a scary story.  All I could think was how different things could have been if that car had come plowing through the playground where (a) and his daycare friends were all playing.  The frightening reality was a bit emotional for me, and as we discussed it, I quoted another one of his verses to him, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good” (Psalm 136:1) and we talked about how fortunate it was that God was looking after them. 

This past weekend, much to (a)’s excitement, we decorated our house for Christmas.  (A) climbed up in the attic for me and dragged down the boxes of decorations and my multiple Christmas trees.  As most tree boxes do, there are pictures on the outside of the box that show what the tree looks like.  When (a) came into the room and discovered the boxes sitting out he was thrilled, and with a huge amount of excitement he threw his hands up in the air and announced, “I found a great Christmas tree! Give thanks to the Lord!!”  It was hilarious to us, but it also made my heart pitter patter… on his own he had chosen to quote part of one of his verses, in a context that he truly meant.  He was full of excitement, and chose to “give thanks to the Lord.”  The discovery of the tree really wasn’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of life, it wasn’t even set up yet, but even in that little thing, he chose to give thanks.

The excitement really grew as we put up the tree and decorated it!

In this week of Thanksgiving, I have thought a LOT about that announcement.  How often do I remember, even in small everyday things, to give thanks to the Lord?  When I saw safety from a potential catastrophe, I gave thanks to the Lord, but when I live out those “regular” every day moments, do I give thanks to the Lord?  When I spend the afternoon with a lap full of giggles- give thanks to the Lord.  When they both finish dinner and have full, happy bellies- give thanks to the Lord.  When we have safe travels on a trip that has become so routine to us- give thanks to the Lord.  When we spend an evening snuggled on the couch having fun with our family- give thanks to the Lord.  When we get to pay the month’s bills to provide for our family- give thanks to the Lord. 

There are so many moments each day that I should take the time to stop and be thankful, not just in the big things, but in the small, simple such as discovering the Christmas tree box.

As we celebrate today, I know my family’s schedule is full, and I know my belly will be full, but more than anything, my heart is full… “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Happy Thanksgiving from One Life Out Loud!!