Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

One day, as a pregnant mom, my toddler would not take a nap for any amount of pleading. By bath time I was exhausted. Just as I ran the water, my husband asked, “Are you having fun?”

Hmpf? Fun? Grumpily, I answered, “Sure.”

In my heart, I choked back resentment. I still had bills to pay, the kitchen to clean, laundry to fold, rooms to tidy and a neglected to do list for the new baby’s arrival to review before I could even think about calling it a day.

But as I made my way briskly down the hall for a towel, I felt God giving a powerful tug to my heart that made me stop in my tracks. Suddenly my heart said,

I.Am.Able.

In Lysa TerKeurst’s Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, she teaches us to use the power of reframing our thinking so we can be blessed with a new attitude.

So instead of being grumpy, I opened my eyes to a new perspective. After all, here I was giving my precious two-year old daughter a Dora the Explorer Bubble bath which gave her such joy as she splish-splashed, and giggled with delight. It was my chance to wash her little ears, toes and tummy, and to marvel at how big she’s gotten on the eve of her second birthday.

I began to think of other things I am glad I am able to do...

• I have a home to clean with more than one set of clothes to wash.
• I’m humbled by a husband who continuously chips in to help me around the house and love on his babies.
• I live in a country where electricity and warm water are readily available.
• I’m thankful we have the means to pay our bills in this challenging economy.
• I’m grateful we live in a country safe from war, where we can worship our God freely and without fear that we will be hurt or arrested.

That night, I really stretched my thinking and became thankful I could exercise my body on a planned walk the next morning despite my third trimester state. I almost missed an opportunity to be grateful for all of God’s blessings in my life! Now, I would love to hear from you! What, sweet friends, are you happy you are able to do today? Please email me at michelleaxtonkelly@yahoo.com.

God, Thank You so much for the many blessings great and small that You have given me in my life. Please help me to have a spirit of thankfulness and awareness as I move through my busy days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28 NIV