Mysteries of faith and gratitude

Near the end of this busy, sometimes stressful Nov. 1, I was overcome with gratitude.

 

While walking on the treadmill to relax (does anyone else do that?) before eating a late evening meal, I had a moment of understanding of how God uses our faith and gratitude.

 

Today's Upper Room daily devotional, which I read as I tread, brought this into focus. Writing with an All Saints' Day theme, Wayne Greenawalt referenced how we can probably "name someone who has showed us an example of great faith in the face of trials. They bear witness to us that God can see us through no matter how trying our circumstances."

 

It helped me think of how I’ve been inspired by people who praise God and count their blessings amid devastating trials. I also thought of a few times when I've seen God use me when I’ve had moments of that kind of faith.

 

The reading and All Saints' Day made me think of the "cloud of witnesses" the Apostle Paul describes in Hebrews 12 and 13. 

 

I thought about those moments when tricky verses of Scripture, such as some of the passages in Psalm 91 (including where the words seem to promise long life and freedom for harm for believers), either make sense or don't have to make sense, when my focus and faith are steadfastly on God.

 

The thoughts came into focus toward the end of my day that included:

 

-- A Christian funeral, requested before his death, for a Jewish man greatly influenced by the faith and witness of his wife, their daughter and friends, including during the time they attended the church where I am a member. 

 

-- A church bazaar that keeps going even though the number of people willing to commit to help seems to dwindle year after year. I saw more clearly than ever that just as important as the money raised for mission work is the vital work of love, relationship, hospitality, graciousness, kindness, support, faith, encouragement — I could go on and on — among church members, vendors and shoppers.

 

-- A completely unexpected thank-you note from faraway friends of a mutual friend with whom I've been visiting to offer encouragement and support while she is in extended care and uncertain health following medical treatment.

 

-- A realization a second attempt at a garage door repair could wait until Monday.

 

-- Craziness with coins at turnpike toll booths.

 

It occurred to me that some people each November practice a month of thanksgiving. They post to social media each day something for which they are thankful. Might I do that this year? I've never succeeded before even though I've always liked the idea. Maybe this will be the year!

It occurs to me that may have been the thought that sent me into a bit of distracted behavior (compulsive overeating) that momentarily derailed all of the positive feelings I described above. Another contributing factor (in addition to tiredness; a runny nose and sore throat I hope is from allergies, triggered by standing for an hour in the Oklahoma wind at a graveside service, and not a cold; and a messy kitchen) was the thought that this might be something I could write about on my blog.

Fortunately, except for not being able to escape physical discomfort of crazy eating, I was able to rise above the regret, frustration and confusion of my binge by writing and praying -- and getting to the computer to follow through with this expression of thanksgiving and gratitude.

It's another moment where it doesn't have to make sense. I thank God for the promises of His Word.