gratitude while suffering

 been more intentional again these days to sit in the space of gratitude, as the season of fall has allowed me more quiet time to actually hear my own thoughts (translated the four year old who talks incessantly is now in school).  grateful for loads of blessings, big and small, and being more intentional to count them as well...i've also been doing a bit of a deeper dive into the study of suffering, and the notion by many that a good God would never allow suffering to the extent that He does.  to clarify, i'm not currently in a place of deep suffering, not at all, but i know that suffering is a part of life at one time or another, and if not now, it's coming.  that is as sure as the sun setting this evening.

so many take aways, but i think i'll link my two favourite teachers who address the subject in a far more eloquent way than i ever could.  so powerful.  so countercultural and so true.  trusting in a God who knows better than i.  trusting His timing.  trusting His nature.  checking my unbelief that comes from a vastly limited human framework and not the mind of a sovereign, all-knowing and good God. 

counting gifts...a table decorated with outdoor clippings of beauty, set for loved ones.  grateful.

Jackie Hill Perry is such a gifted teacher, author, poet and theologian, and i will forever appreciate the way she teaches scripture in a way that is bold and convicting and courageous.

Jessie girl at my feet...another gift

Ann Voskamp...well, anyone who knows me knows i long to sit with her one day over lunch, and dig deep into her life experiences and wisdom.  she is so open about her own suffering and life journey, and this transparency in her books and messages has pointed millions to the heart of Christ.

this little rascal, the most unexpected of gifts...photo credits to Hannah

grateful for God's overflowing goodness, in easy times and hard.  His good gifts, still there and always visible when i look carefully, even during the unexpected, the awful, the moments of agony.

"we give thanks to God not because of how we feel but because of who He is"  Ann Voskamp

both messages linked above by these powerful speakers expand on the subject so well.  i will revisit them for sure.  i hope you enjoy as well...