A “Manger of Blessing”

I must admit that I live a truly blessed and happy life.  Unfortunately I so rarely take time to stop and think about all my blessings and more importantly to then thank God for bestowing His blessings upon me.  I tend to take the blessings in my life for granted…as good things that just happen!  They are GREAT!  I love it when they happen.  However, even though I truly know, in my heart, Who is responsible, I neglect my responsibility to thank Him.  I think to myself, “Aw, gee…God knows I appreciate what He does for me.  He doesn’t need ME to give Him a pat on the back for all the great things He has done.  Just the fact that I exist and strive to live according to His plan is good enough for Him, right?”  WRONG……

In the beginning of the year our church’s Sunday School placed a “Manger of Blessings” at the back of the sanctuary with a basket of straw sitting next to it.  They asked that through the year we all place a single piece of straw in the cradle for each blessing we receive through the week.  Their hope is that by Christmas there will be enough straw in the “manger” to lay our greatest blessing of all…Jesus!  It is an awesome idea…one that causes us to constantly think about the many blessings in our lives. 

Although I have not been extremely diligent at actually placing straw in the manger, I am at least reminded each week to think of the many blessings I received from God!  I take time during prayer to not only petition for His guidance and support, but to also thank Him for the gifts He has given.  What I once might have considered a small “favor” I now view as an awesome gift sent especially for me from my Father.  I have learned that nothing is ever so small that we should look past God as THE Provider!

~ by shoolady on June 15, 2007.