Allow me to shake off the dust for I feel as though it’s been a century since my last post. Pray for me as I get back into the groove of writing and that I can even have a schedule of when I blog.
Happy Thanksgiving. I am anticipating four things today- family time; food to last three days; my mother urging my skin and bones self to take a plate or two home with me; and counting my blessings.
We all want to meet our goals. Sometimes we will work ourselves so hard to reach them that we will forget how graced we are by what we already have. I would love to achieve certain goals, but I must take the time to reflect upon my blessings. Let’s count em’ up!
Jesus
There are not enough words to describe how wonderful He is to me. From the times that He gives me what I don’t deserve to all the times He lifts me up when I’m doubting myself. We all have ours doubts and our insecurities, but take joy that Christ is more gigantic then all of them. Though I know I can’t outlove Him, because He is just that, I can at least show my affection back by listening to Him and loving others as He would love me.
Family
They often say you can’t choose your family. If this is the case I’m glad I didn’t choose mine – from my caring and often sarcastic parents down to my youngest chaotic nephew. Whether I like it or not my parents are going to check up on me; give me the guidance I don’t realize I need; and want what is best for me. When I have my own children I want to be as loving in words and actions as my parents have been towards me.
My siblings are a mess towards me sometimes and in general, but I can learn from them a little. They’ve truly grown into amazing spouses; parents and people period. Not to mention if it wasn’t for them the responsibility for grandkids would solely be on me. So I thank them!
Speaking of nieces and nephews I still can’t believe that my oldest nephew is 18. It seems like it was just yesterday when I held him awkwardly the first time as an infant. To this day my parents still tell the story of that time as a child, when he told me to sleep outside with the animals rather than let me sleep on the bottom bunk in his room. Definitely a Harris.
Courtni was sweet enough to date me. Bold for saying yes when I got down on one knee at Starbucks(yes that was the place) to pop the question, and the day those bells ring next year I’ll see her as Superwoman for taking my last name. Though she doesn’t have that name yet, she is still my family. From the day we first met I knew I wanted to keep her around. This is the part where you’re supposed to go awwwww.
To the rest of the family which includes the aunts; uncles; cousins; grandparents; in-laws and future in-laws, I love you all as well.
Friends
Though I don’t have a lot of them I do appreciate the few ones that I have. I don’t care how introverted or how much of a loner you are, everyone needs companionship. A couple if not too many friends is good company; good for advice; and they teach you how to love anyone outside your family, even if they’re a stranger.
Church Family
I can always count on those daily text messages of scripture from family in Christ to start my day off right if I’m anticipating a hectic day. Coming together with my parents and brothers and sisters in Christ every Friday evening to welcome one in the Sabbath sweeps away dusty building up in my mind. A bit of the wisdom I’ve obtained comes not just from showing up for the church service/sabbath school, like many of us consider good enough, but from also just sitting/standing around to fellowship after a service. I encourage you to get to know your church members. Don’t be patients coming to the same hospital who are afraid to so much as chuckle with one another.
Work
No matter what my occupation is I will always strive to be the best at whatever it is that I am tasked to do. But at the same time I will keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with giving myself a mental and physical rest. One good thing about my current job is the community aspect. Getting to see the smiles on a customer’s face along with a thank you when they receive their orders reminds me that there are people in the world who are grateful and polite towards their fellow name; their neighbor.
I enjoy making money. Yet sometimes think too much about spending on what I need/want and saving up, but I never want to debate about paying tithe. Of course I should! Though I did do the laboring, who was it who gave me the job in the first place? Who am I always calling on for endurance? If you always give that 10 percent of what you make every pay period, I promise you that God will always take care of the rest.
Traveling Mercies
With how many accidents frequently happening on the interstates; highways; neighborhood streets; it is a praise alone that I make it safely to my destinations. Blessed am I also to have a car that gets me to where I need to be.
Talents
If I can always utilize my writing and singing ability for the one who gave them to me, I will forever be contempt. Let me continue to use my voice to open the ears of those who will not listen or need to be reminded that they are loved. May He continue to give me ideas on what to share with you all, even if it’s just a couple lines referencing Him in the occasional blog post.
Air
As simple and cliched as that may sound, just being alive, especially in the scary time where it seems like everyone around us is going to sleep, is something to be joyful about. I pray for all those who have lost someone. Though the fallen are resting in Christ, soon they shall be reawakened and we the living with them will behold The One who overcame the sting of death.
As an ol hymn of praise goes, “Count your man blessings, see what God has done.” Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless!
DavidSpeaks 