Saying Thanks

Oh how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge!  How impossible is is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.  All glory to him forever.  Amen (Romans 12:33-36)(Emphasis mine)

Saying 'Grace' or 'Thanks' before eating is not something that is looked upon with much favour today.  To those who don't know God, it is seen as merely a religious routine with very little meaning.  To those who know God it is much more than that. 

In the above passage we read that 'everything' comes from God.  All that we wear, eat, do, work, love and live comes from God.  This means that we shouldn't just thank God for the food we eat, but for each and every blessing he bestows upon our lives.  Our lives should be lived in constant thankfulness for our good health, our warm bed, the chocolate in our cupboard, the running water from our taps, the friends and family whom you love and even those who test you patience.  God provides all things, not all of them may seem to be good at the time, but in the end they will bring God glory.  Sometimes it can be difficult to be thankful when you are having a rotten day.  Make a point of thanking God for at least one blessing each day.

Sometimes you can't see the rainbow because you are focusing too much on the storm.

This does not mean that while you are running a bath for the kids that you hit your knees in fervent prayer for hot water and soap.  If God leads you to, that's great.  The thankfulness I am speaking of is your soul's recognition of all of the blessings God has brought to your life.  God will bring little things to your remembrance, and when he does, thank him for them.  When I am bathing the boys I watch them laugh and play, and inwardly I thank God he created them just the way they are.  God is with you every second of the day, he never leaves.  Delight in the things he has blessed you with, and watch him smile with pleasure.  He is our Father.  All Fathers love to hear thank you and get a hug from their children.  Have you given your heavenly Dad a hug today.  He is waiting with open arms.