Life is a journey that has many highs and lows, ups and downs, bitter and sweet moments. What helps is to know that God is with you every step of the way, and to be thankful through it all.
I remember back in May 2011, I was so excited about something as simple as cooking my favorite dish, spaghetti.
At the time, that was a major milestone because after having surgery performed on my left wrist, the procedure created all kinds of residual issues in my hand, arm and fingers. Even with intense physical therapy, my joints and muscles were extremely weak and shaky. I could hardly hold anything in my left hand, so I couldn't cook.
Imagine losing all your grip strength and having things literally slip right through your fingers.
It was pretty frustrating and hard doing everyday things like: styling my hair, lifting a glass, opening a jar, or tying my shoe. Many days, I walked around looking unkempt, because it was too painful and difficult to groom my hair.
I told the story before about how I tried to prepare a meal before I was strong enough. Stubborn and determined, even with my left hand shaking and all, I was going to make breakfast.
When Kenya and I sat down, gave thanks for our food and began crunching on our eggs, which were full of shells, we both knew my hand wasn't steady enough yet.
"The eggs would have been really good without the egg shells boo," Kenya said, trying to console me and stifle laughter at the same time. "It's okay,” he encouraged me. “Give yourself time."
We laugh about it now, but I was so disappointed that day. It seemed like I was falling apart instead of getting better.
But actually, I was making strides daily. It just didn’t seem like it because it wasn’t happening fast enough.
How many times have you gotten frustrated with your process, hoping for things to go from bad to amazing overnight?
I have been there for sure.
However, the more I mature, the more I realize that, although God can work an instant miracle (I’ve seen Him do it!), often, things take time. Incremental change, gradual progression, and small steps forward are more likely than a blink-of-an-eye type transformation.
That’s why you have to learn to celebrate small steps. Thank God for the little things. Otherwise, you will make yourself absolutely miserable thinking about how badly you wish you could skip ahead to the next stage.
Friend, take it from me; it’s better to be happy with where you are on your road to where you're going, than to despise where you are, obsessing over what you have not yet attained.
As the saying goes, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
Stop and be thankful. Live in this moment. Appreciate the present.
To help you remember to thank God for your right now on the way to your shall-be, I’m stirring a favorite and familiar passage of scripture into your cup of inspiration. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded of the importance of being thankful for the blessings you currently have, while remaining in earnest expectation of what’s to come.
Don’t be discouraged, depressed, and dismayed. Better days are ahead.
But in the meantime, focus on the blessings you already have in your hand, knowing that God holds your future in His.
Now let’s pray.
God, please help me be thankful for how far I’ve come, rather than focusing on how far I have yet to go. You have been good to me and brought me a long way. As I continue trusting You for the greater things, teach me to be thankful in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
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