Today we had an ordinary visit to the grocery store. I wandered the aisles, trying to stay focused while my daughter talked loudly right in front of me. She wasn’t upset just letting the world know she was there. In one hand she gripped my grocery list. Yeah, the one that was supposed to help me stay focused and get ONLY the items on that list. Yet again she claimed it as hers and was not going to let go. 

Her other hand was busy trying to open the bag of carrots which she was very close to doing. I ended up tieing the plastic in a knot to prevent her from bursting the bag onto the floor. 

Yes, just an ordinary day. However, one sweet grandpa changed it. From ordinary into extraordinary, thought provoking, convicting. 

As I was bagging the groceries the gentleman came up to us and started making general conversation. Of course, my cute 21-month-old was the draw. After the basics, he went on to say he was a great grandpa to 5 babies. He declared how privileged he felt to see his great grandbabies grow. 

Several years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and the doctors told him he had 6 months to live. His response to the doctor went something like this: I don’t think so. My son is getting married soon and I am going to see my grandchildren. 

This man was stubborn. I could tell that. Full of life and fire. He told me, “Only the good Lord knows when it is our time!” 

He is right. Only God knows the number of our days.

I am touched by this man’s thankfulness and joy in life. Because of a diagnosis, he had years ago he sees life in a different light. 

This morning as I got out of bed I was feeling weary. Weary from the pain and strain of life. As I got ready for the day I felt God calling my heart in another direction. Calling me to thankfulness instead of grumpiness. Calling me to see the blessings and not the dirty grime that life throws at us. 

On the way to the store, I started making a mental list of blessings. My attitude was changing quickly as I began to see the work God IS doing in my life. And what an encouragement this sweet grandpa was to me to keep my heart fixed on the Lord and His goodness. 

What are your blessings? Are you counting them today or just the hang ups? 

 

Psalm 105:1-3 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! ESV

Job 14:5 You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. NLT

Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. NLT

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJV

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. NIV