I would like to say that having an attitude of gratitude should come easy in this life. I mean, life as we know it in 2024 truly has all we could ever ask for and more. We can literally buy anything we want at the drop of a hat and have majority of the things delivered to our door. We can choose to make dinners or buy them ready made. If we have an ailment we go to the doctor. We can choose what kind of education we want etc. etc.

These thoughts have built over the last couple of weeks as my big kids and I have started reading their new bible story book. We finished the one I mentioned in HDH a while back, so onto anther one. I will say that as an adult reading a children’s book, my mind has been opened up to new revelations. Some people grow up hearing bible stories as children and they all seem to turn out happy and good. Well, I have news for you, the bible stories are truly ugly and messy.

Messy

The following are prime examples of messy that we have read about recently. Abraham was not able to have children until his old age. Then he was told to sacrifice his only son. Next he wandered the desert until he died. Isaac, Abraham’s son had twin boys that were enemies to each other. Literal murder attempts and major deceit. Jacob, the deceiver, took his inheritance from his brother and ran away for about 20 years. Joseph, Jacob’s son, was sold as a slave by his brothers, lived in a new country under new laws, and eventually was put in prison for some time.

Translation

Let’s put these events into modern day times. Infertility is a huge topic in today’s world. So many people undergo treatments for infertility in order to have that special baby of their own just like Abraham and Sarah longed for. Malice, deceit, anger, and hostility might not be too far off from someone’s real life family connections today. The enemy can easily seep into our hearts creating walls and create division not only in family but in friends. Then we have all the wandering. How many of us aimlessly wander around life and simply do nothing? We gripe and complain and keep searching for the next best thing or next adventure to satisfy some empty space in our soul.

Blessing

These people mentioned above all received blessings amidst their messiness. God chose these messy undeserving people to be his people, to tell his beautiful story, so that we can be a part of it today. Abraham still received his blessing of creating a great nation (although he didn’t get to see it happen.) Isaac was blessed with two first born sons and the continued promise of making a great nation. Jacob was blessed with a new name, new land, many possessions, and continued descendants. Joseph was blessed by being promoted in Pharaoh’s kingdom even though he had several low spots along the way.

Continued Blessings

I type all this to say that we live in world where nothing new is under the sun. Our messiness is not novel in the eyes of the Lord. We may think that our mess is simply too much for anyone to handle so we too wander, hide, and become bitter, angry and deceitful. The good news is that even in our messiness, the Lord still blesses us. He is also using you to be a part of his story. Embrace the blessings among the suffering. Be gentle with yourself and entertain gratitude. Happy November!

XO,

Kimberly