It's the automatic response, it seems, when someone issues the familiar greeting, "How are you?"
"I'm fine."
We say it whether we really mean it - or we don't. It's the socially acceptable way to respond. But a recent email devotional from The Upper Room challenged me to think about a new response.
It's "fine" to be "fine." But how would life change if I followed the author's cue and instead responded, "I'm thankful!"
He says that his "I'm thankful" response often elicits a conversation starter when the questioner probes, "Why are you thankful?" But even if it doesn't evolve into anything more than a pleasant response, it just might remind me to BE more thankful.
The Psalms provide plentiful examples of being thankful, including Psalm 105: 1-6:
Psalm 105
1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
5 Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
6 you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
6 you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
One of my favorite hymns is Fairest Lord Jesus, a hymn that seems perfect for the Lovely Branches Ministries theme, April Gladness, this month.
Byers United Methodist. (I was there when the church closed its doors for the last time in 2011. See some of my memories by clicking on the underlined link.)
Dear Lord, as we turn the calendar to April and welcome spring, let us see our blessings with eyes wide open to You and your miraculous world. Let me truly be able to respond, "I'm thankful!" each and every day.
Fairest Lord Jesus
(with my photo illustrations)
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son.
Thee will I honor
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.
Fair are the meadows
Fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer
Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine
Fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host.
Jesus shines brighter
Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be thine.
**
Spring on a plate ... It's how I think about this Roasted Tomato and Asparagus Tortellini dish with asparagus and spinach. It
can be served as a side dish. But you can easily make it into a main
dish by adding cooked and seasoned chicken breasts or strips of beef, if
you want a heartier meal ... or if any guys around your table would
prefer that! Enjoy!
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