This post was written by Jerrica Govin, staff chaplain, Parkview Health.
I was tired, but I went to a prayer meeting. We gathered in a circle and the pastor invited each person to share their answer to the question “What are you thankful for?” I intently listened as others shared their thanksgiving, yet I wrestled with what my answer would be when it was my turn. I was judging myself, as the only things that came to mind were obvious and already used – family, friends, health, etc. What was I really feeling thankful for that night? I couldn’t think.
I felt the stress weighing on me, my mind buzzing from the busyness of the day. Then, it was my turn. I shared a small moment I had witnessed, in which an environmental services worker ministered to a nurse in a hallway. He was praying with her. I smiled as the encounter caught my eye and I kept walking. Yet, out of the hustle and bustle of the busy day, it was that one small moment that impacted and stayed with me.
Philippians 4:4-8 shares these words:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
We live moment by moment, and yet, we often struggle to be present. Each moment matters. The question is, where is our heart and mind if not in the moment?
Often, the chaos of the day speaks louder than our thanksgiving. There is beauty all around us and often small things that make a world of difference. Perhaps it’s the stranger that holds the door open and wishes you a happy Friday. Or an extra hour of sleep. Or a perfect cup of coffee. May we rejoice in the Lord always because He is with us.
Did you know that God is with you even in the middle of chaos? With thanksgiving we can give it all to Him. Yes, every moment we can surrender, including the ones we’re not proud of. Every moment can be used to give us eyes to see God in the ordinary. If we find ourselves in chaos – I mean, when we find ourselves in chaos – we can rely on God’s peace. Peace to the storm, peace to the anxiety, peace to the busyness that inevitably infiltrates our day.
And we’re not talking about a piece of peace, but a peace that endures and permeates our spirit. It’s a peace that guards our hearts and our minds. So, we don’t think of the chaos and let the chaos shape us, but we, with thanksgiving, cast our minds to the great and heavenly things. We cast our minds to the blessings, the small moments that bring joy and we share with one another our thankfulness.
The night that I went to the prayer meeting, I was tired and I was blessed. I left feeling thankful as I remembered a small moment that impacted me, and I wasn’t even aware of it in real time. Perhaps you could even say I left “thankfull,” filled with thanksgiving for the small moments that play a vital role in my life. I was especially thankful that the pastor was my husband.
Questions for reflection
What are you thankful for today?
Do you let the chaos overshadow the blessings all around you?
