Thoughts for Life: Thanks. A Lot

Ron Hutchcraft: Our grandson wants to major in philosophy when he gets to college next fall.

A few days ago, we got to sample what kind of philosophy we might expect from his one-of-a-kind brain. It's not exactly Socrates. But it's interesting. And within the reach of the common man. (Ron's photo)

He received some gifts for graduation. So here's the philosophical gem he spoke to his mother . . .

"You live. You die. And in the middle, you write thank you cards."

Profound. In its own way.

Then I got to thinking about what he said. And how, in a way, it's true. Or should be. Not necessarily the cards. But the "thank yous."

We're all like that infamous turtle on top of the fencepost. There's no way he could have gotten there on his own. Someone had to help him get there.

Woven generously through the tapestry of my life are those people who God has used to elevate my life. My Mom and Dad, who made me feel valued and who celebrated the gifts God has given me.

Above all, my precious Karen. No man could have asked for a wife more loyal, more willing to love me in those times when there wasn't much to love. And who faithfully was God's mirror to show me the me I didn't always want to see. So I could become more like Jesus.

I am - we all are - a river made up of hundreds of people who were the tributaries to make us what we are today. My "loyal like Mom" children and grandchildren, from whom I am constantly learning.

Faithful friends, "cheerleaders," prayer warriors, pastors, youth leaders, loyal siblings, teachers - the more I think, the more I have to thank.

But have I? Before they're gone? A call, a note, a text, a card - maybe my thank you would be just the encouragement they need to get back in the ring for another round. Or to remind them that their life is, in fact, making a difference.

In a sense, my whole life should be a walking, talking thank you card. The return on their investment in me. "To whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48).

But no one has invested more in me than my Jesus. "He loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). In the Bible's words, "You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The shedding of holy blood. The thorns. The nails. The spear. And the unspeakable soul-agony of His Father turning His back on His Son - so He would never have to turn His back on me.

And if that weren't enough, "Out of the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another" (John 1:16). Every day - all through each day - there have been God-sightings. If I have eyes to see them. The text that came at just the right time.

The flowers beautifying the yard and reminding me of the Artist who made them. The Scripture or song that goes right to my need. Waking up healthy. Waking up.

Every day, a "day the Lord has made" (Psalm 118:24). Not the weather. Not the doctor. Not the demands. Not the finances. The Lord. He designs each day as threads - some darker, some bright - in the grand tapestry He is weaving in my life.

I get it. What David said. "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises." Yes, there is always something to trust Him for. But there is always something to thank Him for.

And the real "thank you card" is my life. I guess some thank you cards have legs to walk in His footsteps. And hands to do what He would do in someone's life. And lips to tell the Hope Story of my life that only a Savior like Jesus could have written.

A life lived as my "thank you" to Jesus is my little gift to Him for His incalculable gift to me.

The Bible reveals that heaven is filled with praises for the One called "the Lamb who was slain." So I might as well get used to living my thanks to Him. You might say it's heaven practice.

So, my philosopher grandson, what made me laugh at first has now made me think. "We live. We die. And in between a thank you card."

Thanks. A Lot
(Italics added. Used by permission)

Check out more blogs at Hutchcraft.com

Let's pray-

"Lord, show us that this passion for souls cannot be worked up by any efforts of our own. It comes forth from thy bleeding heart, O Thou Lamb upon the Throne, Who art still giving forth Thy glorified life for us, 'He ever liveth to make intercession for us.' We praise Thee O Lamb of God that Thou madest known Thy Father's Name and wilt make it known, 'That the love, wherewith Thou, O Father, lovedst me may be in them and I in them.' " (Taken from p. 149 of PRAYING HYDE)

Today's Bible verses- 31 - 35 of 100 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-

31. Ps. 145:8 "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."

32. Ps. 25:4 "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths."

33. Ps. 126:3 "The LORD hath done great things for us: whereof we are glad."

34. Ps. 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

35. Ps. 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."

Today's quote-

~ Oswald Chambers- "We are told by some that it is foolish to tell people to ask for the Holy Spirit because this is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Thank God it is! God's mighty Spirit is with all men. He impinges on their lives at all points and in unexpected ways, but the great need is to receive the Holy Spirit.
There stands the promise for every one who will put it to the test; 'If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?' The bedrock in Jesus Christ's kingdom is poverty, not possession; not decisions for Christ but a sense of absolute futility—'can't begin to do it.'
That is the entrance; and it does take us a long while to believe we are poor. It is at the point of destitution that the bounty of God can be given."

Words of wisdom-

~ A healthy soul knows how to benefit from godly counsel and from the courage of others.

~ Our meditating on God's Word helps our hearts and strengthens us emotionally into a healthy place of abundance.

Today's guest link:

Nydia DiCarali- "I’m afraid. I can’t do it. I don’t know how.”

Young children are known to exhibit unreasonable fears when faced with new experiences. The world is vast, and they’re unsure of themselves. Thankfully, parents usually assuage their cares.

An expectation exists that by the time we have reached adulthood we would have put away our fears. We’re expected to take on new challenges and go for the gusto. But what if we can’t muster the courage to venture on with a new career, move to a new city, or undertake a new sphere of ministry? (For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)

Upcoming posts-

#51 I Believe in Divine Healing

7/2- Tuesday's post by Samuel Chadwick

#52 The Problem with Unanswered Prayer

4th- Thursday's post by Samuel Chadwick

To Be Like Jesus

6th- Saturday's post by James H. Cagle

#53 The Prayer of Moses

9th- Tuesday's post by Samuel Chadwick