Day 16
Now, upon reflection, I realize with my attitude of gratitude, that childhood experiences serve a greater purpose. I have empathy for and special recognition and love for those who may be physically or mentally challenged in some way. I’ve always given them an extra measure of encouragement—those things I felt lacking when I so wanted to know I could achieve in spite of difficulties.
God just filled me with things other than physical or athletic beauty and prowess. And in an attitude of gratitude, as I age not so gracefully, I’m glad I never had to watch my legendary beauty fade. I’ve accepted my average appearance, and now my hearing loss, my lack of balance, and my missing pieces of conversations.
Today’s Scripture: “My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Prayer: Creator, Father, Sustainer, I thank You for knowing me from the foundations of the earth. Before I was in my mother’s womb, You knew me. You know my innermost thoughts, You placed me in this time of history, with this family, and even numbered my days before my first breath. I am thankful You are in charge of my life. Most of all, thank You for Jesus. Amen and Amen.
Day 16 Scripture references to physical attibutes and God’s concern for our physical bodies:
“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” (Psalm 31: 7-8)
“My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, O Lord?’ You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, and poor and needy from those who rob them.” (Psalm 35:10)
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
Chapter 53 of Isaiah, prophesying the suffering servant, even our Lord, Jesus Christ. “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open his mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away.”
Day 16 Thanksliving Album: Items, pictures, sketches, photos showing empathy and understanding of physical difficulties, a legacy of memories, a place I’ll return when I need reminders of evidence of His love for me in every situation.
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