Lack List vs. Lavish List

What are you grateful for right now?

In such a divisive, shouty culture, I am thankful for the example of those who are choosing to counter-culturally lead with compassion, upon the firm foundation of the Bible. I am inspired by those who listen instead of lecture, those who ask clarifying questions instead of jumping to judgment, those who give the benefit of the doubt yet kindly pull me aside when I fall short.

Now more than ever, empathy is needed. Now more than ever, speaking the truth in love is needed. Now more than ever, we are called to be safe harbors to a hurting world. 

It is a tough time yet also an exciting time to live in. We have opportunities like never before to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to love out loud with our words and actions—mobilized for His glory, as we carry out our sacred assignments. 

Psalm 90:12 (NIV) “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

How can we practically reach out to someone this holiday season and show God's love to them?

My husband and I were going to attend a fundraising event for a local non-profit, for our date night. A friend of ours, who is a single mom and grandmother, was also going to attend. God prompted me to text her ahead of time and ask if she’d like to sit by us. I was thankful for His nudge to include her at our table when it would have been easy to overlook that detail amid my busy day. 

In the hustle and bustle of this season, we can reach out with God’s love by being mindful of our friends who may be lonely over the holidays. A simple text or an invite to be included in your family’s festivities can make a big impact on someone who is hurting this season. They may say “No, thank you,” but being seen, included, and invited goes a long way. 

1 John 3:1a (NIV) “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

Have you ever struggled with feeling ungrateful?

When we were in a lean financial time, I made lists of all the things we needed to improve in the house, or needed extra funds for. The more I wrote down, the more these needs/wants became what my mind focused on. My worry and frustration grew as I kept track of the lack. Then I was challenged to start a different kind of list. Instead of writing down what we did not have, I recorded what we already had. As that gratitude list grew, my contentment and joy increased. I started seeing God’s gifts all around me—things I had taken for granted, or missed entirely. It was contagious. My perspective shifted as I trained my eyes to spy God’s lavish love on display in small and big ways. I highly recommend this practice! 

If you are tempted to fixate on your “lack list” start making a “lavish list” instead. Choose to refresh your thinking as you take notice of all the ways God has been and is faithful in your everyday life. 

Psalm 136:1 (NIV) “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.”