Warm Thoughts, Cold Day

 My sweet family in Christ,

Today I woke up with no intention of writing, but I felt so thankful to be alive, that I just had to share my thoughts. Today in the Cincinnati area, where I live, it was a whopping 8 degrees Fahrenheit for the high. In other parts of the country, we are seeing tips dip into the negative 30’s! In Buffalo, NY, they had to reschedule a playoff game until Monday afternoon, and the Bill’s organization are encouraging fans not to show up to the game for safety concerns. I used to live in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming, so I know what it is like to be in subzero temperatures, and let me tell you, it loses its whimsical appeal real fast. 

Meanwhile, I arose in my warm bed, under warm blankets, in my warm townhome, took a warm shower, put on warm clothes, ate a warm breakfast, and took medication that helps relive the chronic pain I have due to a back injury I sustained. As I sit here typing, I am lounging in a recliner, using a laptop, with an electric fireplace keeping my feet toasty, passively watching a show on my 55” television; my daughter is playing with what seems like ALL OF THE TOYS, but is only a small fraction of what she has, and my wife is soaking in a warm bath for relaxation and leisure. 

When I break it down like that, it sure does put into perspective how truly blessed I am. I have all my basic needs met, and then some. Our refrigerator and pantry and full of food, and our two vehicles have full tanks of gas. I have a job that I enjoy doing, and while I don’t make as much money as I would like to in our current economy, between my wife and I, we can comfortably pay our rent. I have been learning to follow the lessons of Jesus, and to have an attitude of gratitude. This is something that I am actively working on, and with prayer, have been a lot more comfortable with what I have than what I don’t. Through prayer, I am hyper aware that there are a couple billion more people, that would say I’m living the dream. While I am not a homeowner, and live in a lower income apartment complex, there are people without a roof over their heads. Even though my van is fifteen years old and has high miles, there are others who only have their two feet to get around.

There are countless things in my life that I used to take for granted or didn’t think of at all before I took up praying. Prayer has opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart, to the blessings I have. Psalm 107:1 advises, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” In our journey through life, we often face challenges that test our faith. During those tests, let us not forget the countless moments of love, grace, and joy, that we’re consumed by every day. Mattie Beattie said, “Gratitude makes sense of the past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." 

Being grateful in the face of others’ adversity requires an extreme sense of empathy and a nuanced perspective. Appreciation does not diminish the mountains that others climb but rather welcomes us with gratitude for the positivity in our own lives. We must approach gratitude with compassion and a sensitive heart. I believe that we can use our appreciation for the blessings we have as motivation for support and kindness towards others experiencing difficulties, and see with eyes wide open, the mirrored experiences we have with each other.

My point in all of this is that sometimes our worst day would be the best day for someone else. If you have a roof over your head, shelter from the storms, food in your belly, and people who love you, then you’re already doing better than at least a billion of your fellow children of God. This isn’t to shame you for the life you live; God gives us all what we’re meant to have. It may not be what we want or when we want it, but His timing is perfect. He gave, and he gives us all signs that lead to our blessings. It is up to us to listen and see them.  I pray that we find strength in the challenges we face, have compassion in our interactions, and gratitude for the big and little moments of joy. May we be guided by understanding, wisdom, and kindness of the Holy Spirit, and may we see the path that hope illuminates. Amen.