When I think of Spring, my thoughts go to new beginnings—trees budding and blossoming, daffodils and tulips erupting from the ground, and warmer temperatures. Here in Middle Tennessee, Spring also brings plenty of rain.
We lived in New Mexico during Nashville’s floods in 2010, but during the weekend of March 27, we experienced the area’s second largest rainfall with over seven inches. One of our favorite places to walk has been closed because of flooding. We are thankful another location reopened and that it didn’t flood where we live with our daughter and her family.
My 2021 verses, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, A New Year Filled With Joy, are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(NIV)
Give thanks in all circumstances. Besides keeping us dry through the downpours, God has blessed us with precious time with our daughter and her family, along with our son and his family. He kept us safe and warm during several days in February while stranded at the house because an abundance of snow caused a slippery subdivision.
I’m keeping a gratitude journal this year to remind myself of God’s goodness. Every day I add something for which I am grateful. Often, it’s sunshine since Tennessee isn’t as bright and cheery as New Mexico. Other times it’s something to do with my writing or a church service we attended. I’ve also noted thankfulness for God’s Word and how it strengthens me and fills me with hope. I’ve been grateful for simple things too—café mochas, walks along the river, holding my husband’s hand, laughing with family, watching birds outside my window, and a good night’s sleep.
Although it may seem odd, I often thank the Lord when our offer on a house isn’t accepted. God knows what we need and if it doesn’t work out for a specific house, then I believe it’s not where He wants us. He has a plan for us, and I trust Him with that.
My verses say to be thankful in all circumstances. I believe I am. New beginnings are all around me. In His time, a new home will belong to my family and me too.
Photo by Laura Ockel - Unsplash