Thank Me

Geezaloo. It seriously took me, like 10 minutes to figure out how to get to this spot to actually write a blog--and I had to google it to get here...

I've been a bit disgruntled lately. I can't put my finger on the cause, exactly, but I *know* selfishness, discontentment, and plain ol' sin play a HUGE staring role. After getting sick and tired of griping to the Lord, I stopped griping to Him and just let it suck my brain power. Not a pretty picture. Well, this morning, my heart was feeling less ugly (not sure if it really is), and I was thoroughly disgusted by my attitude of the last few days. I was reminded that I always feel better when I make a list of things I'm thankful for--which I did, and felt much better. I was also reminded of a story I heard or read somewhere, the details of which are pretty cloudy, but the main idea is as clear as day:

A woman whose loved one was dying from a terminal disease was awakened in the middle of the night overcome with grief and heartache. She laid herself prostrate on the floor and pleaded with God, begging Him to spare the life of her loved one, asking the questions of "Why? Why him? Why me? What are You doing? How can I handle this? Can I really trust that You know best?" etc.

In the midst of the tears and anguish she heard God answer: "Thank Me."

"For what? My loved one needs prayer and intercession."

"Thank Me."

"How can I? I have nothing to be thankful for right now, only heaviness and need."

"Thank Me."

"But..."

"Thank Me."

With one faltering word after another, she did. She thanked the Lord for anything and everything she could think of, especially the life of her loved one, however long or short, the Lord's sovereignty over that life, and the perfect plan He had, whether life or death. And this heartbroken, hurting woman fell asleep in sweet, perfect peace, prostrate on the floor of the Throne Room before her King, words of thankful praise on her lips, knowing that He had heard her prayers.

I don't know if the loved one lived or died, but the message has always stuck with me. There's just something about praising and thanking the Lord that can transform the foul, broken, or troubled heart.

I just wish I remembered this more often.