When I was in middle school, I was responsible for getting myself to school. I used to walk (about a 30 minute walk) or ride my bike. I don't think I was ever late for school. Once, and I do not remember the reason, I was running late. I called my friend in my neighborhood, who had a stay-at-home mother, to see if I could get a ride with them. They said yes. I must have ridden in the back of the pickup truck, because I remember scrambling out to get to the school. The detail I remember about this seemingly insignificant event, but what haunts me still today, is that my friend told me days later that her mother was annoyed that I did not thank her for the ride. I honestly did not remember if I did or not, but that really humbled me. At 12 years old, I thought I was always polite and well-behaved for adults. Her mother forgave me. I am sure, because she continued to welcome me in her home for many years after that.
Have you ever forgotten to thank someone? You may be the one who follows all of the rules of politeness, but are you thanking God every day too? Do you thank Him for the good things that happen? Do you thank Him when you are put in more challenging situations? As I type this entry, it is a reminder to me too that God has done for me more than I will ever know. No matter what is going on, I need to be grateful for Him. He sent His one and only Son to die in our place. Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Colossians 3:14-16 (English Standard Version)
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Comments