Thank You for saying, "No"??

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I was truly shocked when I looked at my calendar and noticed how soon it really is. During this season of thanks I know that I have so much to really be thankful for, this year I have seen God bless me in way that I thought were absolutely impossible or things that could never be changed. Yet, sometimes it is really hard to say thank you to God for saying no or closing that door of opportunity. About 2 months ago I heard that on the radio, " when was the last time that you told God thank you for saying No". That really got me thinking....when was the last time that  I was thankful for that "No". Sometimes it is easy said than done...is what keeps ringing in my heart and mind this past month. This past week was really tough for me, I found myself saying to God, thank you for saying No and I really meant it...however my own worldly fears seems to get the best of me so many times this week. It is so much of human nature that we want to fix everything, get it done ourselves, and it be our way. Letting go is something that I have always struggled with, but I know that if I don't let me fear and my inability to 'fix it' go then I will be consumed by it.

Focusing in on what I have to be thankful for is very easy at times, but to be thankful for a "No" is not easy but a must. Being thankful that God is a faithful and finding comfort in His timing is very humbling. My impatience at times brings out the qualities that I don't want to see in myself at all. What I have really learned this past week is that it is so hard to let go, and let God. Things are easily thought but hard to truly produce. I want to work on making my words active. Not just saying I'm OK with it but that I really show that I am.. I can't be a brat that wants what I want when I want it. Life doesn't work that way. Last night in our bible study we talked about be humble, gentle, and patient. We were asked to define these words and without a dictionary it can be hard to define them, even though I know what they mean it is difficult to put into words. Overall, I felt a calmness when I think back to the passage. My struggles are not alone or singled out, life is a journey and equipping myself with the proper tools is essential.

So, seeing that this season of thanks is upon us is a reminder to me that although giving thanks is a way of appreciating and loving on those around us. It is not only about the things that make us feel so great and have the warm fuzzies inside. It is about everything and not just be thankful but also grateful.


Ephesians 4:2 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.