A Whole New World of Gratitude
By Rene Toyota, Childcare Administrative Coordinator
If I had my way, I'd hibernate during (or maybe even time travel through) Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Every year during this season I would grumble, complain, whine, and cry to my husband about not being able to be with family during the holidays. I have a huge family, but they're all scattered and mostly on the mainland. I hate it when I scroll through Facebook and see my mom, stepdad, brothers, and sisters, with all my nephews celebrating together, singing karaoke, laughing, hugging, and eating. It makes me feel so alone. And when you’re dealing with anxiety and depression, it makes it 100 times worse.
Oh, and then to add to that, there's “Mr. Budget,” (aka our family budget). I'm not too fond of him. I mean, come on, Christmas is when everything is on sale! And new gadgets are being released! It's the best time to shop! But my husband, who is the Christmas money rule-maker, and “Mr. Budget” always ruin Christmas shopping thrills.
But this year is different. During this crazy pandemic, God has been teaching me more about gratitude. He opened my eyes and had me see and breathe in all that He has blessed me with. Here are some of the things He's showed me what I should be grateful for:
A home to stay in during lockdown with lots of food to eat.
Internet for Zoom meetings, my boys' online schooling, and online small groups.
Electricity that keeps the internet running.
A job at First Prez that I can grow at, and full of God-loving, God-fearing people. A job that helps provide for my needs––internet, electricity, water, etc.
I have my kids, who drive me insane almost every single day but who are a gift from God. (Did I mention that they’re boys?)
A car to hide in when I need time alone.
I have a hard-working husband that needs me to step on his back and hyper-volt his aching neck and shoulders. He also cooks.
And most of all, I have God who loves me. He's with me all the time. He equips me and provides for my needs daily. And He knows me inside and out.
God made me see the good, the bad, and the ugly, but mostly the good. Most of all, He lovingly instilled in me a strong desire to give back to Him through our generosity journey.
Now I told you how I'm not too fond of “Mr. Budget,” so after Christmas, I refuse to have him around. Sadly, though getting rid of him will make it hard for me to be consistent in my giving. But this time around, God provided me with a solution. And now that I know I'd be able to put God first in my finances, it opened up a whole new world of gratitude within me. This kind of gratitude makes the butterflies in my heart flutter and bring joyous tears to my eyes. I can't stop praising Him!
So If you're struggling during this season, whether you are in a place of joy, sadness, loneliness, loss, or heartache, or maybe you're dealing with Mr. Budget and trying to decide whether or not giving fits your finances during this time, here are a couple of promises from God’s Word:
"God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:9)
"He will give you abundance in all things so that you will be able to share freely with other people." (2 Corinthians 9:11)
If you can't see all the GOOD within the BAD, look to God and ask Him to open your eyes and have you breathe in all that He has given you. Ask Him to create in you a desire to give freely. Believe me. It really does open you up to a whole new world.
You are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. AMEN.
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