Take a Pause and Give Thanks

As I began to write this article, I looked up and noticed a simple wooden “Count Your Blessings” decorative plaque sitting on the window sill. The plaque rests in front of a window that captures a picturesque landscape of vibrant colored trees dressed in their best autumn attire. So spectacular in fact, I had to take a moment to pause and give thanks to the artistic Creator for His breathtaking work of art.

How often do you pause in your day to give thanks? It often seems easier to do when something or someone is beautiful. How about giving thanks to the average, drab, and mundane?

If you are anything like me, you probably live a very full life that has more of a hustle and bustle pace. I love my life and I hope you love yours too. But let’s get real, there are moments when life seems overwhelming and unforeseen circumstances attempt to snuff the love right out of life. The overwhelm can keep the drab and mundane muted. Consequently, it becomes difficult to muster up the ability to give any thanks at all in day-to-day living.

With keeping such a steady fast pace, it can be easy to complain. I recall being in India on a mission trip a few years back. I was literally blown away at how the Bible students would wake up at 5 a.m. daily. They would begin their chores, such as cleaning the toilet or scrubbing floors. As they did these early morning chores, they gave thanks and used this time as an act of worship. They weren’t living in luxury by any means but found a way to be grateful in each moment.

I think of Colossians 3:23-24 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

What a powerful reminder to give thanks even in the drab and mundane, would you agree?

This scripture actually applies to all areas of life. But, let’s think about our health for a moment. When it comes to taking good care of our health, it can feel a little mundane at times. Disciplines and routines are what work. However, the right attitude of gratitude behind it allows for the routine to become “sticky.”

When we care for our bodies with reverence and fear of The Lord rather than vanity purposes, it changes everything. Eating healthy and working out can be practiced and viewed as an act of worship to our Creator.  Have you ever thought about taking care of yourself as an act of worship?

Remember those bracelets that were so popular for many years? The WWJD bracelets or What Would Jesus Do bracelets. Well, what if you asked yourself something similar before taking your next bite? Or before plopping on the couch, trading in your reality for someone else’s on a Netflix binge? You are here for a purpose and God has a plan for you to fulfill. May you take time to give thanks daily in the ordinary things so that when you see the spectacular it is filled with a greater level of awe and wonder.

Are you looking for healthy tips to get you through the holidays? I have just what you need here.

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