Lately, I've been learning that gratitude may not come easily (I confess. It doesn't always for me.), but it can be practiced and cultivated into a habit that reaps life-giving joy. Who doesn't want that!? It's definitely something I'm working on this year.
During the Jewish Passover Seder, participants recount the blessings and miracles God bestowed on the Israelites during the exodus. After each blessing/miracle is verbalized, they shout "Dayeinu!" which means it would have been enough! In other words, if God had done only that one thing, it would have been enough by itself for great joy and thanksgiving!
It's not that my life (or your life) isn't good enough to express gratitude and bring great joy. Mostly, we just don't stop to intentionally appreciate God's many blessings. Today, I did.
Here are the results:
If only, I had forgiven Chad for anger that had built between us, it would have been enough!
If only, I had spent time reading God's perfect word, it would have been enough!
If only, I had enjoyed delicious cheesy-eggs for breakfast with Lily, it would have been enough!
If only, I had been able to pay our monthly bills, it would have been enough!
If only, Lily had a safe, fun, and productive ballet rehearsal, it would have been enough!
If only, Chad spent time working on my car, it would have been enough!
If only, I had the energy and health to take an hour long walk, it would have been enough!
If only, a friend had volunteered to help-us with transportation for Lily this week, it would have been enough!
If only, I had a good talk with my always caring mother, it would have been enough!
If only, we had beautiful spring-like weather to enjoy all day, it would have been enough!
If only, we had cleaned out the shed and found some of our missing photo-albums, it would have been enough!
If only, I had watched Lily enjoy shooting her bow with Chad in the backyard, it would have been enough!
If only, Lily and I had cooked dinner together, it would have been enough!
If only, we had prayed together as a family, it would have been enough!
If only, I had the opportunity to show compassion to my hurting brother, it would have been enough!
If only, we had enjoyed family game-time together, it would have been enough!
If only, Lily and I had cuddled with our sweet dog, it would have been enough!
If only, Lily still wanted me to read to her and "sleep with her for a little while," it would have been enough!
If only, I had an hour long "phone-date" with my BFFL, it would have been enough!
If only, I had read a book given to me by another sweet BF that inspired me, it would have been enough!
All of these things happened today (or yesterday – as it's almost 2 a.m.), and some may think this sounds like a very average (or even boring) Saturday. To me, it was a day filled with BLESSINGS from a loving and generous God, and it was WAY MORE THAN ENOUGH! Oh … and one more thing … if only, I had remembered God's love and Christ's sacrifice, it would have been enough! Thank you God.
