What kind of lists do you make? ToDo lists? HoneyDo lists? Wish lists? Black lists? How about a Thank list? Have you ever started a list of things for which you are thankful to God? Where should you start?
“yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7
Good things, Isaiah says. Good things consistent with his compassion for us! What good things has He done for you? By the way, don’t worry, I’m saving the first part of the verse for last.
Thumbs. Have you considered your thumbs recently? Opposable thumbs. The stubby hand accessories that make us able to grasp things around us efficiently. What would life be like without them?
I cut my left thumb quite badly a few days ago. Trying to keep the bleeding stopped and help the healing to begin, I had it bulky bandaged for the rest of the day. Using my four fingers and palm to hold things proved quite awkward. All of a sudden, pulling up my pants became a major obstacle! Holding a piece of toast became a precarious balancing act, not a secure thumb and several finger action. Imagine the difficulty in being productive at the most normal tasks, hoeing in the garden, brushing your teeth, catching fireflies.
Now, my thumb is mostly healed and I am joyfully able to hold on to things, from one of my daughters to my pants! Yes, I’m thankful for thumbs, two active, healthy ones.
I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me”; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:7-9
Are you ready to start your Thanklist? If you want your thankfulness to God to come alive and overwhelm you, get away from the generals- you know- “Thank You for my health, for everything, for everybody”. Get specific!
Father, thank You for opposable thumbs as I keyboard this morning. Thank You for being the only One who can mix orange and blue and white in nightly and endless variety in the sunset without the shades clashing. Thank You for…..