
I few years back I left the position for one I thought was better because of pay and benefits, but by the time the 3 yrs were over I had been diagnosed with panic attacks. I was able to come back to a new position with the company I worked for prior and just like that the panic attacks stopped. I am thankful.
Sometimes in life we do something that we know we shouldn't because we think it is going to be "better." It usually turns out to be a rough ride, especially when we have that still small voice inside that is telling us no and we do it anyway.
The key to all we do is being thankful.
I find myself easily doing laundry and cleaning the house, dusting, vacuuming, cooking, all with a thankful heart. I find myself looking at the view from my home and feeling thankfulness. I find myself working longer hours when I don't have to because I love what I'm doing. I find myself saying. "I love my life". I find myself praising my kids more, taking time for them more, encouraging more. Yes, I'm even thankful for dirty clothes, dirty toilets, dust! Because, I see them as blessings and I like to take care of them when I'm feeling thankful.
It's similar to when you walk with Christ. Your attitude may depend on how you see it. When bad things are happening, and I begin to pout and get stressed, my view on God begins to feel like a panic attack. But if my view on God is one of thankfulness, then even walking through some of the deep mud is joyful, because we know what the outcome will bring.
The key to all we do is being thankful.
Ephesians 5:14-20
This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Morning God, First help us remember how much you love us. Help us remember that ALL things, both good and bad, work together for those that love Christ, so that no matter what we walk into we can be assured that your have purpose for us to be there. Then give us a heart of thankfulness in everything we touch, knowing that you chose us. In Jesus Name. Amen