students of jesus

The Creator did some pretty good work back in Genesis. His work was so good he took a day off just to admire it all, its goodness and fullness.

It’s difficult to admire—or give thanks for—something when we are so busy with the next thing. Contentment gives us the perspective we need, contentment leads to thanks-giving. Each of us needs to find a thankful perch and look upon what God has done. That’s one reason the first settlers chose the fall: after harvest, before hard winter, and before everything had to be cured, salted or dried out. Their timing is instructive.

There’s a moment when mere fruitfulness turns to ripened sweetness. It’s the savor of the task complete, the taste of a harvest safe in the barn. We give thanks when we breathe in the fragrance, and exhale gratitude.

Ask Yourself: Do I set aside time at the end of a task to enjoy the whole?

Live Into It: Graham Cooke offers some excellent advice: "Wherever you are right now, listen to the sound of Heaven and be at peace. Be at rest, and let God’s peace come. Let His peace come, and let the weariness of your life be washed away."