Happy Friday Daily Cup readers. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving as much as I did. I ate, relaxed and managed to steal a 10 minute power nap during movie time with the kids. I had so much fun preparing dinner too, especially during the time I spent joking with my husband and intermittently chatting back and forth with my "extended family" on Facebook. LaKeisha Rainey-Collins (Who seems to be a fierce cook I might add), kept me laughing with those instant messages, while all of the good smells in the kitchen kept me nice and alert.
I'm so grateful for the little things, aren't you?
Now, if you've been keeping up with the blog this week, you know that today marks the end of our "Thankful Series" we're doing for the entire week of Thanksgiving. I want to end the series by discussing the blessing of maturing in age and wisdom.
You know, as I was preparing dinner, as well as serving my family yesterday, I thought to myself, "Wow, I remember when I was just a kid." I used to be on the receiving end of all the royal treatment. Mom and Dad would cook up those meals, entertain the family and create a safe, loving environment for me and my siblings. Now, I AM my mom and the children look to me and my husband for the same nurturing, love and care that I once received during my formidable years.Life is a cycle and we should all embrace it. If you have a full grasp of this truth and live your life accordingly, that's something to be thankful for. You see, there are many individuals that don't embrace a responsible, godly lifestyle. They party hearty and in many cases, waste their lives and fail to fulfill their purpose.
It's funny sometimes when I look back and remember my early twenties. There were many things I didn't think of then, that are so important to me now. Many of the responsibilities I currently have, weren't even a part of my reality then. But, once I crossed over that 30 mark, I began to realize that time doesn't wait for us and it's our duty to accept the new roles and challenges that naturally come with the passage of time.
Interestingly, it seems to me that so many people are obsessed with being forever young, while overlooking the benefits of growing older and gaining more perspective and experience. Of course, chronological age doesn't automatically mean you're mature, amen?
On the contrary, it's a choice and a decision. Age is a number; maturity cannot be determined by one's age. There are many boys housed in men's bodies and many girls trapped inside women's bodies. It becomes blatantly obvious once their character and true thoughts are revealed through conversations, habits, actions and behaviors.
But, if you've embraced true wisdom and maturity, which can only happen once you draw close to God and allow Him to develop your character, you ought be thankful.
I realize that, if not for the grace of God and a decision to do right, you and I could be out in the streets living an unsavory lifestyle, shirking our responsibilities, seeking our next thrill, rather than finding joy, contentment and peace in Christ alone.
I don't know about you, but I'm thankful I grew up. I accepted the call of God on my life. I decided I wanted to be a vessel of honor, used for His glory. I made a choice to sacrifice my wants and desires and conform to His will.
Whoever you are and wherever you are in life right now, embrace that space and place. Even if everything isn't going your way, know that there are always lessons to be learned that will equip you along your journey. Our valleys and lowest points in our lives, work to grow us up the most!It's all about being content with where you are, as you grow up gracefully in God.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
