Modern Conveniences

Day 40

I am thankful for frozen dinners, freezers, washers, clean clothes, paper cups, dryers, and naps.

Mostly I'm feeling a bit out of sorts tonight and began to think of all the household objects that made my evening simpler.

I am thankful. Out of sorts, but thankful.

Which is reminding me of 1 Thessalonians verse 18 (yes, I had to look it up). This is verses 16-18 and perhaps I should memorize, too:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I don't believe this was written in the Pollyanna sense but as a reminder of tools for living. Being joyful for me happens when I am mindful both of my life in Christ and in the day to day little joys. Praying continually isn't round after round of begging but a conversation with the very creator of the universe. Giving thanks in all circumstances isn't giving in or giving up with a sigh of, "it was God's will." No, this giving thanks is the quickest way to turn my attitude into openness to the rest. When I am thankful I am more open to the gifts, large and small, that are before me and need celebrating. I am more able to have a prayerful conversation with God or with a child. Joy lives quietly present in every remembrance of what was given for me.

Later: I reread the verse emphasizing this. For me it makes the verses sound more like how I think about them.

Looks like I misquoted in yesterday's title, from the Sing, Sing a Song by Joe Raposo, sung by the Carpenters. I apologize if that got stuck in your head. It's not such a bad song to have stuck in your head. The actual lyrics:

Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad.

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.

Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love there could be
Sing for you and for me.

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.