Do you sometimes wish for things you don’t possess?

Do you long for gifts you haven’t received?

Each morning, I set out from my house in search of unobstructed views. I walk, hoping to find vistas where beauty beckons. Where the breeze whispers reminders. Of purpose and passion.

Instead, I find street lights, traffic, and fusty air too warm for the season.

I stand, stare, and long for gifts not offered to me.

Discouragement lures.

Will I succumb?

Not this day.

This day, I stand, breathe, and employ a gift I do possess: choice. I choose to practice an ancient discipline, one outlined in Scripture. “Thank you,” I whisper.

With this thank you, the view opens before me, splashes vibrant hues. A vast vista unseen before. My breath catches. What I’d chosen just moments before now comes unbidden. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

This day, discouragement scurries, tail between its legs.

I tuck the memory of the moment into my pocket and turn back for home, where I so often long for unencumbered hours. Hours when words beckon. When silence evokes the whispered reminders. Of purpose and passion.

Each morning, I set out in search of unencumbered hours.

Instead, I find obligations, complications, and frustrating interruptions, difficult to ignore.

Is it possible…?

“Thank you,” I whisper as I sit at my desk.

With each thank you, time opens before me, earmarked for creativity. A string of moments that occasionally extends into hours. And what I’d chosen just moments before now comes unbidden. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We so often seem to want what we don’t have, gifts we don’t possess. Unlimited time, resources, talents, creativity, beauty, a published book, a bestselling book, another bestselling book, and on and on goes the wanting.

What if, instead, we choose to practice an ancient discipline? What if instead of relegating our thankfulness to this season of thanksgiving, we choose to give thanks at all times, in all seasons, in all circumstances? For this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.

“Thank you,” we can whisper, despite what we think we’re missing.

“Thank you, Lord, for all the gifts you have given me. Thank you that I can trust you, the giver of all good gifts.”

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 NIV