Easter Gratitude

That this season is one in which we offer thanks, one in which we express gratitude, is something that I have more than once considered recently.  Having cause to offer heartfelt gratitude for all that God has blessed us with is something that I have experienced in a personal way this Easter. 

In all the seasons that come and go in our lives may our eyes always be open to all the wonder and beauty there is in God's revealing himself to us.  Certainly God reveals himself to us in unlimited ways.  Life is such that it overflows with cause for rejoicing.  Each moment is a precious gift.

Years ago, I must admit, I never dreamed of the degree, or manner, that I would discover the presence of God in my life--isn't presence what the Resurrection speaks of most clearly?  So many times over the years, in ways that I cannot explain, I have found Christ present in the room with me.  Perhaps not as clearly visible as he was to those apostles who beheld him, yet just as real...just as real.

It is still his presence that I long for--still the union and oneness with my Lord.  Especially this is true in the times and situations that test my faith.  Not knowing what tomorrow will bring is the situation that we all have in common, yet somehow we respond to it positively and affirmatively with faith.

I must be honest--there are times when my faith is not strong.  I have my unwanted moments of doubt.  Thus I pray, "Strengthen my faith dear Lord.  Give me a heart to believe...a heart of your own making."  And I rejoice in the Lord's good gifts; I offer praise and thanksgiving in the ways that I know best.  In quiet and thoughtful ways, where sometimes I struggle to find the words, I celebrate the presence of his continual goodness toward me.

We share in a common direction as Christians: we pledge to live in a manner pleasing to God; we offer our hearts--though broken they may be--to the one who takes our humanity and gives us the gift of presence.  We rejoice and in our joy we receive healing, reconciliation, and salvation as the Lord pours his balm over our souls.

I offer you this heart O Lord.  I rejoice in being able to praise you.  To the only good and loving God, I say, "Thank you."

Comments

[LS]

Beautiful. I Amen your Eastertude.

[Gabrielle]

This is a gentle, peaceful gratitude and joy. Like His presence, like His balm.