Gratitude?

While driving to Birmingham today I decided to listen to an artist that I have not listened to in quite a while. Nicole Nordeman. Listening to the lyrics of each song, I was taken back to many places that God has brought me through over the years. It was the strangest thing as the song "Gratitude" started to play; the sky instantly started to rain so hard that I could not see the road in front on me. I had a quick moment of panic and sent up the common prayer, "Oh God". For the few minutes I attempted to drive through the heavy rain as the song continued to play in my ear. It reminded me that although sometimes we pray and pray for certain specific things and we fail to realize when God has answered us, because it does not quite look like we expected.

In the coming months, Justin and I are lifting up heavy hearted prayers asking God to do a mighty work in our lives. We expect that our lives could completely change as Justin completes his master's degree. We want nothing more than to have His will. I found myself praying for provision, the establishment of a "door" which right now does not seem to even exist. Through it all, every step of the way, I want to be one of those people who never hesitates to thank God, no matter what the future looks like. No matter what! So, keep following if you want to see what amazing work God does as we put our plans at His feet. In "Gratitude".

Justin's thoughts: In the same vein... reading & hearing the lyrics reminded me that we have so much in addition to a "sturdy roof" over our heads. As a man and husband I have a deep drive to provide for my family. I also have a longing to rely/trust on my heavenly father. There is a tension that exists in the hearts of most men to know they "have what it takes" to provide and "bring home the bacon" as well as posses humility and gratitude. In my life, the balance is often struck when the gratitude comes before the provision. And the laying down of my pride so that God can be shown faithful, strong and capable. Surely He can see our needs, but can He see our heartfelt indebtedness...despite.

Provision is defined in this way : the activity of supplying or providing something

Gratitude is defined this way: An appreciative awareness and thankfulness, as for kindness shown or something received

Lyrics to the song are below if you are interested.