So much to be thankful for....

Yesterday, in my Bible study, the book I'm reading suggested that I start listing the things for which I'm thankful. So, I decided to blog them here, so that I would never forget what I wrote!!! a godly husband who loves me unconditionally; a son who is the energy of my days and light of my life; my Savior who gave His life for me; parents who raised me in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord"; a brother who, even though miles apart, cares for me deeply; a sister in law who serves as a wonderful example of motherhood - i love her!; my best friend and her family - a joy to be around and such wonderful support when days are hard; my church family - I have the best!!; my UACCH girls! I love them and miss them more than they know; for my inlaws, Bob, Nancy, Menea, Jose, Robert, and Fabie; a wonderful job that challenges me; Christian bosses - Ron, Maggie, and Dr. C a secure home; for my ability to think; a counselor/friend who turned the lights on for me in several areas 2 years ago; for my senses - eyes to see (even though I am extremely nearsighted), ears to hear, taste, touch, and smell; contact lenses!; for reliable transportation; coffee - i LOVE my morning cup of java!; food and a love for cooking; heat when it is cold and cool air when the days are hot; the ability to walk and run; nature - i love the outdoors; modern appliances - they make my days so much easier; social media - how would I stay in touch with those I seldom see face to face; my grandparents who await me in heaven; the Bible - light for each step I'm on; leadership of the Holy Spirit for every move I make; Sidney - my sweet baby in heaven - thank you for giving me the gift of childbirth; unspeakable joy; sunrises and sunsets; clothes to cover this imperfect body; Will's school - love Lake Hamilton; technology - keeps me organized; peace - even when life gets crazy; wonderful local physicians; the ability to read; education and the opportunity to learn; fun - life is FUN! I could go on and on....

My 2013 theme passage

I was reading today's devotional in the book, "Jesus Calling," and this passage really spoke to me.

Luke 10:38-42 - "As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The first thing that I noticed was that Martha "welcomed" Jesus into her home. I am sure I would confidently say that Jesus is welcome in my home, but is He? Welcome means to greet with pleasure to one whose arrival gives pleasure. Hmmmm... If I truly welcome Him, would I neglect time with Him? If I truly receive pleasure from Him, would I not want to spend as much time with Him as possible? (very humbling for me)

Then, there is the familiar conversation between Jesus and Martha about what Mary is doing and NOT doing. She is sitting as Jesus' feet listening to His Word. She is NOT serving. She is NOT busy. She is rather still and quiet. She is not distracted and worried. She is rather choosing the "one thing worth being concerned about." WOW! While Martha whines, Mary worships. While Martha looks for fault in her sister, Mary listens to the Savior.

I want THAT this year! I want to focus on the "one thing" worth being concerned about. I don't want to be so busy serving Jesus that I fail to "know" Him and listen to Him. I want to relish in His welcome presence in my home - sitting at His feet.