Casandra Martin

She is almost a year old and as sweet as an angel. She has cherub cheeks and a halo of red hair. Sitting in her high chair, it was evident that she was hungry. Mom hurried to get out her meal and let her start eating. Breaking her lunch into bite-sized pieces, it didn’t take long for the crying to turn into contentment.

Settling into eating my own lunch, it only took a minute for the moment to be transformed and filled with smiles and a touch of wonder. Every bite that she picked up and put in her mouth was followed by a loud and definite “Yuuuummmmm!” She would then stop and clap her hands, delighting in the taste of her meal. The next bite, the same thing. A giant “Yuuuuummmm!” followed by applause. She did this with every bite of her lunch.

A little voice and little hands helped me see God.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

This is essential number three – give thanks. I loved watching how this little one taught me how to do this with joy. She didn’t take her lunch for granted. She savored each bite, and stopped to share her appreciation – not once, but over and over again. She invited others to join her in smiling, enjoying, relishing, and appreciating a simple pleasure. My lunch tasted better because she reminded me to value each bite. She helped me remember the power of pausing and letting gratitude soak into the cracks of every part of my day.

My Jesus Resolution is to give thanks. It is easy for me to be rushed and distracted, missing the opportunities that I have to give thanks. God plants a thousand “Yums” and Yays” in my day. Simple blessings meant to give me a pathway into His presence. Little beauties meant to draw my eyes to His face. Tender care meant to enfold me in His love. Today I want to be deliberate about stopping and thanking Him for each one. I am a little humbled to imagine how that will change the pace and focus of my day, but I want to be like the little one in the high chair. I don’t want to miss one chance to let thanksgiving define how I experience His delights.