October 11, 2013

Speed bumps

Colossians 3:15-17 “…and be thankful…with gratitude…giving thanks to God the father through him.” (NIV)*

Speed Bump [59/365] (Photo credit: Knight725)

I keep hitting speed bumps on this journey through The One Year Bible. They’re showing up all over the place. They slow me down; they cause me to pause.

The speed bumps? Giving thanks. All through scripture there are reminders to give thanks to God—encouragements to take the time to express appreciation for his gifts.

When I slow down—by force or by choice—life becomes less stressful. There’s peace.

Thanksgiving changes me. It changes my outlook on the day, the year and the years all strung together—life. When I give thanks, I’m no longer focused on what I don’t have or what didn’t go my way, I can focus on what I do have and the good that will come. Giving thanks is the door to deep-rooted contentment.

I don’t want to arrive at the end of the road grumpy and bitter, having missed out on joys along the way. The speed bumps in God’s word will help me arrive with gratitude.

And by the way, dear reader, I’m thankful for you!

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About Patty Perkins

I'm Patty, writer of the devotional blog, Beside Quiet Waters. I love writing, reading and taking long walks with my camera. I've been married to my loving husband for 40 years. We have two grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and two amazing grandchildren. I am thankful for a place to share spilled ink, in hopes of encouraging others to find daily hope and inspiration in God's Word. View all posts by Patty Perkins

This entry was posted on Friday, October 11th, 2013 at 5:00 pm and tagged with Christian, Devotional, Give Thanks, Gratitude, Joy, Scenic View, Speed Bumps, Thanksgiving, The One Year Bible 10/7 and posted in Devotional. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

8 responses to “Speed bumps”

Caddo
October 11th, 2013 at 5:55 pm

I LOVE this, Patty–gratitude is Everything, it greases the wheels of my day! God bless you BIG (and Yes, I’m grateful for your presence here!!)–love, sis Caddo

Reply
- Patty Perkins
  October 12th, 2013 at 12:04 am
  
  Oh, thank you so much. And yes, gratitude makes the wheels of my day go better as well.
  
  Reply
Mr. CATSOE
October 11th, 2013 at 7:17 pm

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God through Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
God Bless… 🙂

Reply
- Patty Perkins
  October 12th, 2013 at 12:06 am
  
  Love those scriptures! I have “In Everything Give Thanks” in a frame in my kitchen…I need the constant reminder.
  
  Reply
Heidi Viars
October 11th, 2013 at 11:01 pm

grateful for you as well 🙂

Reply
- Patty Perkins
  October 12th, 2013 at 12:06 am
  
  Thank you, Heidi…my blogging friend!
  
  Reply
greenlightlady
October 13th, 2013 at 4:50 pm

Patty, I am thankful for you and your blog! This post goes so well with the sermon we had today about ‘an attitude of gratitude’. Whatever the bumps along the way, our God can use them for good.

Blessings ~ Wendy

Reply
Patty Perkins
October 13th, 2013 at 5:01 pm

Thank you, Wendy. Thankfulness seems to be the theme I keep running into…it’s easier when things are going well. Now, to remember to be grateful on those other days! Blessings to you!

Reply