Ears and Giving Thanks

Recently, I learned how celebrations do not only have to occur for times like birthdays or a new year, but to mark times when you make a decision that alters your life in any way.  Yesterday I celebrated a decision in my life by doing something I've never done in all my 23 years...

Decision: To make gratitude a way of life
Celebration: Getting my ears pierced!

They aren't really related at all.  However, I've been pondering the idea of piercing my ears for about a year, and when I decided to go for it, I thought, why not turn this big event into a celebration while I'm at it?

My friends Erin and Christina accompanied me and cheered me on.  It didn't hurt and I really like how I look with little pearls on my ears.  But more importantly, my holed ears are now a reminder about my surrendering a bitter attitude and choosing instead to give thanks.  Even when all else may be falling apart, I can always be thankful for God's grace and unfailing love.  Because I know I will live out this decision far from perfectly, it is all the more reason to give thanks for my Father's overwhelming grace!

Psalm 107 is a beautiful collection of stories of people in the midst of chaos who call out to God, and He - in accordance with His character - is faithful in answering.  The exhortation then is, "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (verses 8, 9).

Thankful for God's love He draws in the skies

Thankful for each separate leaf He paints

Thankful for His love in the form of a sister

Thankful for His joy we hear in laughter