“Do not let the empty cup be your first teacher of the blessings you had when it was full. Do not let a hard place here and there in the bed destroy your rest. Seek, as a plain duty, to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life.”
Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) Scottish minister in Forty Thousand Quotations, Prose and Poetical, compiled by Charles Noel Douglas (London: George G. Harrap & Co., 1917) 886.
Crowded kindnesses of God.
I was walking our dog, Joy, earlier this week by myself, and it was gorgeous out. I started giving thanks for the day, the fresh air, and the beauty God’s creation (the picture above was taken on another day, but the same walk).
I started praising God for the fact that both kids were off to a great start with school. Then I gave thanks for my wife, my life, my family, and friends. I pretty much came to grips with the fact that life is crowded with the kindnesses of God. I think many people miss these kindnesses altogether, because they are not looking for them. Stop to reflect with thankfulness on the crowded kindnesses of God today.
Sammy will enjoy such walks with Joy over the next few days as Jenni and I fly to Chicago where I will teach for a couple days. We are blessed to go be with my brother, David, and his wife, Joanna. Thank you, Lord!