Thankful Shoes

As I write about wearing thankful shoes, I am simply grateful to have a new picture to use. (The blessing of a new computer has produced the necessity to learn how to access pictures!) This young boy lives in an orphanage in Uganda. Knowing that guests would be coming to visit, he dressed in his snowsuit, placing flip-flops on his tiny feet, and a shy smile on his face. It was evident that he was thankful for his clothing. Are you thankful for yours?

The struggle to move past the pain of the past eight months has blurred my vision. I have been focusing on the loss of ministry, the loss of friends, and the loss of our church family. Somewhere in the struggle, there was a clear impression from the Holy Spirit, "Maintain a grateful heart." But, how? The answer is fairly simple: stop looking at the pain and start looking at ALL for which you can be thankful. A common concept, right? Maybe even a bit trite. But how are you doing ?

A few nights ago, my husband and I were lying in bed, listing all the many blessings that God had given to us. It was a long list. As we made the list, my attitude began to change. First, there was a keen sense of shame for the lack of thankfulness. Second came an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a desire to thank the Giver. "Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!"

As we finished our list that night, we arrived at the ultimate point of thanksgiving. We remembered again the bloody cross and the gift of salvation through the work of Jesus Christ alone. God sent his own son to die so that we can live in the hope of eternal life. I have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Such beautiful clothing. Such a gift. Such a Savior.

Dear PW sisters, I encourage you to begin the new day with an attitude of thanksgiving. Before you even jump out of bed, thank God that you are alive. When you set your feet on the floor, thank Him that you can walk. As you brush your teeth, thank your Heavenly Father that you have teeth to brush! Stop focusing on what is bad, and focus on what is good. Be especially thankful for your clothes.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why are you so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you..." (Psalm 42: 5-6a)