“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For as long as I can remember, my daughter has wanted to grow up. Her entire existence revolved around getting big. At six, though, and much to her chagrin, she was indeed little.

One day, she was enjoying an unhurried Saturday morning. She lingered in her footie jams. She had knotted bed hair flying in all directions. She hummed a quiet, contented little tune to herself while reclining on the couch with her well-worn lovies and snack in hand. It was her reality, and everything about it was good.

Meanwhile, for me, it had been a particularly stressful and very "adult" week. I remember thinking how thankful I was that my girl could enjoy such a lighthearted time of life. I even recall indulging in a momentary thought of "I envy her childhood." Suddenly, as though tapped directly into my train of thought, she proclaimed, "I don't want to be little. I can't wait to be big." I felt sad thinking, "She has no way of knowing what goodness she's wishing away."

I thought about that scenario for days when I realized that I'd been doing precisely what I saw my little girl doing! I wonder if God's heart grieved like mine for her as He watched me wish away my current season. Truth be told I was so ready to be past it. I was so ready to move on to the next place of promise. I was so anxious for it that I was missing and wishing away my present goodness. I wonder how many of us forfeit some of the most delightful and perfect yet fleeting moments and seasons of life because we're too busy looking forward. How often do we hope the next "important thing" will be what brings us contentment and joy? How much time do we spend thinking about what we'd like to change, feeling confident that's when we'll settle into peace and happiness? In doing so, how many of us miss the now? What if all the present blessings, comforts, and gifts fade to gray because our gaze focuses just beyond them?

What would happen if we just decided to be thankful for TODAY? Not tomorrow, not next week or next year, but to be truly thankful for today's blessings. What would be different if we noticed them more and allowed joy to rise within us over who we are, how we are, where we are THIS day? We have faith that God orders the path of His children. Shouldn't we take the leap of faith to rest knowing that this moment and this season are necessary for the next? The Lord doesn’t purpose our steps only to reach a destination. No. The Great Giver has something for us in each stage and each season. Will we look for it today instead of looking toward the next? Oh, how we might regret missing the gifts God was handing us today because, in our hearts and minds, we couldn't wait for life to "get bigger."

I love this quote by Rowan Williams as he reflected on Jesus' final night before the cross: "When Jesus gives thanks at that moment before the breaking and spilling, before the wounds and the blood, it is as if He is connecting the darkest places of human experience with God the Giver; as if He is saying that even in these dark places God continues to give, and therefore we must continue to give thanks."

What will you notice and give thanks for, just as they are today?