The enemy slinks in quietly, unassuming. Just a simple question, that’s exactly how he always starts. It was the same strategy in the garden, same strategy now. These questions induce feelings of doubt and bitterness, an attitude of entitlement, statements like…”its not fair…” and I come dangerously close to concluding that I am getting the short end of the deal. I begin to compare, and comparison is the cheese sitting on the trap that snaps shut as soon as you take the bait. The trap that ensnares you, makes you a slave; a slave to disdain, to contempt, to dissatisfaction. He, the enemy of my soul, of my family, of my peace crouches for the attack, I am almost right where he wants me, then a still small voice beckons…”pay attention”…I have been here before, I know where this road leads, straight down to the pit. It will lead me to be short tempered with my children, pick a fight with my husband, allow laziness to replace diligence and joy and I will lose. this. day. to anger and frustration.

I grab for my lifeline, Gratitude. Start to declare them, these blessings and gifts that really are sprinkled all over my life, layer upon layer, chant them as I go through the day, I frantically grab up my sword and shield and fight the only way I can. “Thank you for a washing machine that works”, bitterness banished. “Thank you for clothes to wash, we are warm and have more than we need”, greed vanquished. “Thank you for the ability and the support of a husband, to stay home with my children”, frustration disappears. “Thank you for a dog that is always, ALWAYS , happy to see me”, Joy returned. Thank you for food in my kitchen to eat, and the ability to make it”, motivation renewed. Thank you for seasons, and green leaves, and careless birds, and quick-tongued lizards” Wonder anew, and I don’t stop, I can’t stop..its how I fight. And slowly the lies and the darkness of bitterness, irritation, and anger slink back into the abyss where they came from and my heart reaches the light and my moment, maybe even my day, has been saved.

And I am reminded of the freedom I have been given in Christ to see all things from His perspective, a view of hope, security. I no longer have to only rely on what my physical eyes can see, no, I can chose to have His eyes. My feelings no longer get the final say in how I should act, because I have faith, and truth, both of which supersede and overwhelm and overcome any circumstance, that’s the best thing about Gods truth. It is true in all situations, despite my feelings, and in the midst of my confusion, and when given the reins this faith can overcome hopelessness, fear, anger, and pain. My active faith in His truth guides me into the presence of a Good God that invites me to see past the current circumstances and gaze into holy possibility.Possibility in the mundane, in the confusion, in the dreams not yet realized, possibility in the midst of injustice and loneliness, if only we had eyes to see, to look. A possibility that can only be experienced with an attitude of thankfulness!

breathe deep and be thankful -Ann Voskamp