I had something completely different prepared for today, but last night my heart was led in another direction. I was reading through the end of
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and I suddenly had to pause as my eyes soaked in this verse...
"I will bless you...and you will be a blessing."
Today I'll be saying goodbye to my sweet summer and begin the tasks of a teacher once again. This summer has been filled with odds and ends, both family and work related, and while there were some long days, these last couple of months have gone by in the blink of an eye. Suddenly the fact that life is truly but a
vapor made a solid connection with my heart. I got to thinking (which isn't that what Thoughts for Thursday is all about?) about the immeasurable blessings that I have received, not just over the last couple of months, but years, and then daily. Every day I am blessed to an incomprehensible degree.
Just take a look...
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| A best friend who'll run after my dreams with me... |
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| I get to be married to the man who truly is my best friend, the love of my life and a dream come true. |
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| A little red haired, blue eyed itty bitty to call my own. |
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| A beautiful family |
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| Generations of strength and support |
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| A God-art sky |
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| A job I love! |
Of course there is not enough screen space in the world to capture all that I'd love to share. I can't overlook my amazing church family or the other friends that we hold so closely to our hearts. These things don't even scratch the surface.
In One Thousand Gifts she goes into detail as to how we are given all blessings in order to be blessings for others. We are to empty ourselves in order to fill others...and yet, in doing so with the love of Christ, we will never feel depleted. God continually restores us...even in the midst of wait and heartache. He willingly fills our lives so that we can then pour out His love to others. Every act of service is testament to God's goodness in our lives. The joy found in our service to others can be found in simple tasks...even the things we do without thinking such as wiping a snotty nose, washing dishes, opening a door for another, bringing a meal to a shut-in...the list is endless. There are numerous ways everyday that we can pour ourselves into others. While not everyone will appreciate our service, God takes note. It pleases Him to see His children "spread the love."
We're only given today and we have ample opportunities to make the most out of what may seem the mundane. I challenge you, along with myself, to selflessly pour yourself out. Bring your reservations to the feet of Jesus and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to bring some goodness into the life of someone else. Make it a family affair. Teach your children the truth behind less is more and the joy that comes from giving. Change starts here. How will you be a blessing today?
Linking up with
Annie and
Natalie for this week's Thoughts on Thursday.
This is such a wonderful reminder to us all. There are so many little joys in everyday life yet we seem to forget them often. Happy last few days of summer break! Soak it up mama! Stopping by from the link up!
ReplyDeleteplumtickledpink.blogspot.com
Thanks girl...spending these last two days of my summer in a pointless in service is not how I'd like to spend my days but it is what it is. At least I get to go through it with great people.
DeleteI always get so jealous of teachers when summer comes but not when the school year starts up! My mom is a teacher so I've seen it all. Hope you have a great school year!
ReplyDeleteLife as I know it
Haha. I know I do too much school stuff over the summer...I need to learn to stop and savor. This is the first job I've ever had that has time off like this. I definitely don't take it for granted.
DeleteLove this post - I love the challenge to "be a blessing"! You sure do have a beautiful family! So happy to meet you - via the link up today! And good luck with going back to work after the summer! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks and thank you for stopping in. I've loved reading your blog.
DeleteLove this post! Exactly what I needed to hear today. Hope you have a great school year! Stopping by from the link up!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan. The school year is looking good...we'll see what it's like when the kids start :)
DeleteWhat a lovely post!! You truly are blessed bountifully and it's great that you recognise it!!
ReplyDeletePS> You should change yourself from google plus back to your blogger profile. that way, people can respond to you directly. :-)
Thanks! I didn't realize that was the setting I was on. I'll see if I can fix it :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful reminder (and don't we all need reminding!). I realize as my children get older how much they truly pick up from my actions and not my words. I hope they observe me giving myself often (I actually set some personal goals this summer related to just this)!
ReplyDeleteGoodluck heading back to work! I was a teacher and I loved teaching. Sweet kiddos and creative lessons - the beginning of the year is always so exciting!! (I fully recognize there are totally frustrating moments as well).
Have a great weekend!