Throwback to Thankfulness
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Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Hadley Rae Boutique
While it’s not Thursday, I’ve decided to throw it back to this plaid shirt that I posted on Instagram a few weeks ago. Since it has been restocked at Hadley Rae Boutique, I figured it was time to write about it on the blog. The truth is that if it was socially acceptable, I would live in a plaid shirt. Or, I guess, if I was a farmer… But, let’s be honest, you are not going to find me tending to any sheep anytime soon. The only flock I’ll be taking care of are the ones that resemble God’s children. So whether you are wearing plaid at the farm or to deliver the message of His love, this shirt is the way to go.
It is no secret that my church has been going through a transition lately. While that transition has brought on feelings of hope (and worry) for the future, it has also been a learning experience. Being a pastorless church has opened the door for us to hear from many great Christian leaders from all over the country. And while I am eager for a new face to permanently brace the stage, I am grateful for the lessons learned over the past few weeks.
Waiting for the NEXT step is always an anxious time. For me, it’s in these times of anxiousness that I lose sight of the past – or, the times that God has fulfilled. Instead, I spend time focusing on the possibility (or worry) that comes with the future. But this past Sunday, our church recapped all the amazing things God has done (and is doing) through His people. These things didn’t happen because of a pastor. Rather, these things happened because through his people, God makes the unthinkable a reality.
This recap of the church’s blessings got me thinking about my past year. About all that has transpired. The good, bad, and ugly. But regardless of the labels attached to these memories, each one gives me something to be thankful for. Each memory shaped me into the person I am today.
Since Thanksgiving is just two days away, I want to propose a challenge to you. I know that right now you are probably not reflecting on the past year of your life. Instead, you are focusing on the decorations, the food, and the fact that it is finally appropriate to start playing Christmas music (I have secretly been listening to my Dave Barnes Christmas playlist since August).
But instead of focusing on the events to come, take a minute to sit down and look at the past. Take in all the times, big or small, that found you this past year. Try to see the good that came out of these moments. And try to see how these moments could shape you next year. The Lord delights in seeing His work through His children. You are a blessing that was delivered to this world to love and be loved by Him and by His people.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20
