I thank God for you.” How many times have I heard Paul use that phrase? We have records of his letters to Timothy and to the people in Corinth, Philippi, Ephesus, Colossae, Thessalonica, and Rome – each time stating “I thank God for you.” Who knows the countless times he thanked God for Christian believers?
I find myself drawn into this practice on a daily basis, and it never ceases to amaze me how it changes my perspective on my relationships. When I have those moments of struggling to understand, a simple breath of “thank you God for my friend” frees my mind to forgive more completely and releases my heart to love more deeply.
Lent provides a wonderful time to create new habits. While many of us tend to work toward giving up something we like, perhaps giving up something we DON’T like would be more productive. If I spend my energy thanking God for people, I simply won’t have the drive to hold a grudge. When my heart is engaged in recognizing the worth of the folks around me, my mouth doesn’t participate in spreading negativity. I think Paul is on to something!
A recent visit to the doctor’s office reinforced this whole idea from a medical and more scientific standpoint. The recommendation was to engage in a new practice for a forty day period with the goal of developing a change in lifestyle. Forty days was the number required for optimum success. If this new routine is adhered to for forty days, the expectation is a full system reset. She mentioned that the forty days of Lent would be a great starting point. Although her focus was on a physical tune-up, I thought it was awesome to hear the doctor reference Lent as the perfect time for a forty day conversion!
I think I’ll follow the physician’s advice. A thankful reset is just what I need.
I thank God for you,
Pastor Beth
I find myself drawn into this practice on a daily basis, and it never ceases to amaze me how it changes my perspective on my relationships. When I have those moments of struggling to understand, a simple breath of “thank you God for my friend” frees my mind to forgive more completely and releases my heart to love more deeply.
Lent provides a wonderful time to create new habits. While many of us tend to work toward giving up something we like, perhaps giving up something we DON’T like would be more productive. If I spend my energy thanking God for people, I simply won’t have the drive to hold a grudge. When my heart is engaged in recognizing the worth of the folks around me, my mouth doesn’t participate in spreading negativity. I think Paul is on to something!
A recent visit to the doctor’s office reinforced this whole idea from a medical and more scientific standpoint. The recommendation was to engage in a new practice for a forty day period with the goal of developing a change in lifestyle. Forty days was the number required for optimum success. If this new routine is adhered to for forty days, the expectation is a full system reset. She mentioned that the forty days of Lent would be a great starting point. Although her focus was on a physical tune-up, I thought it was awesome to hear the doctor reference Lent as the perfect time for a forty day conversion!
I think I’ll follow the physician’s advice. A thankful reset is just what I need.
I thank God for you,
Pastor Beth
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