And forget not all His benefits

“Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul, And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name. Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits; Who forgives all your sins, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.” Psalms 103:1-5 AMP

As I picked up the girls from school earlier this week, an incident happened that taught me a little lesson. I’d usually drop them off and pick them up everyday unless for days when I have so much work to finish up or their father is already in town and can fetch them on his way home. That was the case a day prior to this and they were very excited (especially the older one) that he got them instead.

So on this day, the younger came out first and I strapped her in while we waited for her sister. As soon as the older one came out and saw me, rather than her happy self she broke out in tears. I was taken aback and my first instinct was that something might have happened in school that made her sad. So I tried to probe to understand the reason why she was crying and then she dropped the bombshell; “I wanted daddy to pick me up instead!” I was so surprised how such a little thing (to me) had gotten to her so much. So I tried to calm her down and explained why he wasn’t available to make it that day. She wasn’t having it. Then I asked her why the preference and she didn’t have any reason, all she knew was that, that’s what she wanted. I was beginning to get upset and I asked if she would rather I left so she found her own way home (hilarious because she’s just four years old) and she exclaimed no! Then I asked if I should leave her in the school so daddy could get her later while I left with her sister but she didn’t like that idea either. I asked her to stop cry and wipe her tears.

As a slowly backed up and exited the school, I had to calm down and process my own emotions because I was getting upset with her tantrum. And then I found the words to say. I told her how when I was her age my parents couldn’t afford the “luxury“ of dropping and picking me up from school every day due to the nature of their jobs. It was either someone they could trust did that for them or I joined a neighbour who also had children in my school. As my siblings and I grew older, we eventually learnt to find our way around.

I further explained to her that she had to be grateful to God that somehow either of us were able to make the time to do this ourselves. As she processed all that I was saying (which was quite a lot frankly), I asked her to say a short prayer with me to ask God to forgive her for being ungrateful. She lightened up as I got them a snack on the way to cheer her up.

So while they enjoyed it in silence, I reflected on the conversation and realized that, her reaction was just a representation of how we individually and collectively as God’s children sometimes show ingratitude for certain circumstances we don’t foresee. Sometimes we expect life to turn out a particular way for us and so when things don’t happen as planned by our human strength we lose hope and forget the good things that we are currently enjoying.

I’m here to remind you (and me ‘umble self because eno easy laidat ooo🤣🤣🤣), that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and walk according to His purpose. That second bit right there is heavily important (emphasis intended). If and when you’re walking in the purpose of God for your life, even when the storms are raging high you have have a hope that it will all work out in your favour. When your are out of his will for you then there should be cause for alarm.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Romans 8:28 AMP

Oh, so the story doesn’t end there. Later that night while doing our usual routine for bedtime, I took our earlier conversation a little deeper. I attempted to explain to her the benefits we enjoy as children of God. So I asked her if she knew that people had eyes but couldn’t see all the beautiful things around us, had a mouth but couldn’t talk, had ears but couldn’t hear, limbs but couldn’t walk and so on. She looked so confused. So I told her that we were privileged to enjoy these things not because we deserved better but only because of God’s grace and mercy. She still had the confused expression on her face as she admitted that she didn’t know people couldn’t do all those things. As I saw the look in her eyes while she processed all the information, I realized she felt “lucky” for lack of a better word that she is able to enjoy all this without a struggle.

Our prayer time that evening was different. She repeated each line of thanksgiving a little more enthusiastically. I felt satisfied because although she may not have grasped the full scope of being grateful, a little seed had been sown.

Below is a link to our new favorite school commute song – 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redmann. I hope it encourages you to be more grateful.

As the Yuletide draws near and the year comes to a close, may we be intentional with our gratitude and remember to be thankful for everything. Bless the Lord oh my soul and FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS!!!

With Love, Esinam.