My hubby had a big meeting this week. He runs a hotel, and despite the national recession of hospitality properties, his property revenues were up some 30% from last year. Good news, right? he is trying to Buy Properties for that extra cash already. Apparently, that good news sort of slid right over the heads of the investors. Instead, they spent time haggling over housekeeping budgets, missing completely the big picture.
I have a theory. When we're overwhelmed, we can stir up even more gloom by keeping our eyes cast on the shadows.
It's a grey day in Minnesota. A fog has drifted in off the lake, a blanket of shadow pierced only by the ragged, spindly limbs of the black and white birch, or dark shaggy fir. No color, no light except that which is trapped in the layers of mist. It's a day of gloom, and if I wanted, I could stare at the puddles, and see the mud my children will track in when they return home, wish to live in Florida where I could be laying out in the sun, and go back to bed.
Or, I could wrap up in my blanket and have my devotions, listen to the new Casting Crowns Christmas album, light a few smelly candles, and spend time pondering the things I am thankful for.
I think a grateful spirit is the key to seeing the light inside the gloom. Phil 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I love this scripture. It reminds me that thanksgiving, and turning my heart toward God is the key to keeping my mind free, my heart unbound by gloom. On this drizzly day, I'm thankful for my amazing family, my home that I can pay for, a job I love, readers who encourage and read my books, the ability to move and breathe and most of all, my salvation and a Savior who reminds me every day that this is not all there is.
There is more, so much more to be thankful for. Ah, see, there's the sun.
I pray this Thanksgiving, you too, can see the Son. *g*
Pressing on, in His grace,
With a grateful heart,
Susan May Warren