I woke up the other day with a lot on my mind and heart. Lots of stressful situations over which I have no power. Sometimes when I'm dealing with a lot of hard stuff, the Lord invites me to lament. But this time He very clearly gave me a different direction: Thanksgiving. Without denying all the difficulties, He wanted me instead to focus on gratitude. Don't miss all the goodness and beauty and kindness I have for you in this day just because you have a lot of difficult things going on, He said, and told me to look for His goodness and thank Him for it. 

So I did. I thanked Him for my French roast coffee (black and strong!). For the beauty of Pikes Peak and the vividly colored flowers I enjoyed on a morning stroll. For music. For events I was looking forward to later in the week. For a reassurance He gave me in His Word.

I drove out of my driveway thanking Him for a job, for the great people I get to work with. For meeting all my needs.

And on and on it went. This is fun, Father! I exclaimed, realizing how just taking intentional time to notice His blessings had changed my perspective. And in that moment of pleasant reverie just then, I noticed the bumper sticker on the car ahead of me: “Wag more, bark less.”

I laughed out loud. Thanks, Father for Your sense of humor and for enjoying this moment with me. I get it! Sometimes my complaining and worrying prayers are like yippy-dog yapping to You. Help me remember to wag more!