Overflowing - Another Ten of One Thousand

What if thankfulness were the first evidence of a life lived in an orientation of faith towards our Creator?

I say first, not just in the sense of the beginning but also in the sense of the primary evidence.

If we think about it logically, it is the first right response to the beauty and magnitude of creation itself - not simply to wonder at what we see, but to be moved to give thanks for it - even in the earliest stages of wondering to whom it is we speak. I once read about someone whose first encounter with God was a conscious decision to say thank you for something every day. Once formed, the habit became a lifestyle. The first meeting became a friendship. Thanksgiving is the natural response to a true understanding of God as creator, therefore it is the beginning of worship.

But is it not also the characteristic of one much further down that journey - the one who knows the God to whom they speak and who lives in relationship with Him? If I think of the believers I know who have most influenced me for good in their life's example, I find it's true that they are also the ones who live in an attitude of thankfulness. Cynicism is not a trait for which they are known. They say thank you both with their words and their lives poured out in generosity and service to others. Thansgiving (in word and deed) is the natural response to a true understanding of grace, therefore it is the essence of worship.

"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your LORD, you must continue to follow him. Ley your roots grow down into him and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught and you will overflow with thankfulness."

(The Bible, Col 2:6-7)

And so ten more of one thousand:

11. for creation which speaks to us
12. for truth which is unchanging
13. for a place to go to study this truth and the leader who teaches us so well
14. for grapes, grapes and more grapes!
15. for time spent with a sister and 2 lovely nieces who now live far away
16. for the hospitality of another sister living not so far away
17. for my baby sister who is always there and ready to help with grape recipes!
18. for a husband who is always so willing to serve
19. for those standing up for truth despite hostility
20. for a reminder to keep on praying and not give up