Genesis 1:28-31
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 1:28-31 (NIV)
June 6 was my parents' anniversary. Both are gone from this earth now; however, I am sure they are dancing a polka in Heaven to celebrate. Wow, did they follow His command to the fullest. My parents had seven children. Last Christmas, when it was my turn to host our extended family gathering, I counted how many would be there if everyone came. Children, spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, even one great great granddaughter, seventy-five people! Talk about increase in number!
My parents were good stewards of the gifts He gave them, and never forgot to remember where it all came from and also to give profound thanks for the gifts He gave. Living a farm life it is almost impossible not to be in awe of His creation! We grew gigantic gardens, worked all summer to can and freeze food to prepare for winter, care for the animals, care for the land, and always, without fail, attended church on Sunday and gave that day to God. No work on Sunday, but rather family time and giving thanks and being aware that all He made, all He gave us, was very good. I am so thankful to God for the outstanding example He gave me, my parents, to show me the way to give homage to Him and all his gifts, both earthly and everlasting.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do we do as good a job as our parents did to remember from where our gifts come?
- Are there ways I can make a better effort to follow the directives He set out for us and to honor the amazing gifts He gives me every day?
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am so thankful for all I have. In this busy life, forgive me for faltering and forgetting to be ever grateful. I pray that You guide me always back to You and that I can always keep You in my heart and in my actions every day.
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