A Thankful Heart

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17

Just a quick little background so that you don’t feel completely lost in the words I’m about to say:  My name is Joy Beth and I’m in my fourth and final (well, kind of) year of college.  I’m almost done with my second semester in the education program at Columbus State University. I work at a local barbecue restaurant and have for the past six years, where I am a manager on the night shift.  Both of these are full time commitments and require a lot of my time. 

For those of you who have talked to me since August, you’ve probably heard me complain about school and/or work and for that I want to say I’m sorry.  I didn’t realize the weight of my comments and how negative I sounded when talking about these things.

The cool thing about this though is that The Lord has been transforming my heart over the course of this semester.  It’s gone from checking things off a to do list and just surviving each day, to being thankful for the things on the to-do list (no matter the length) and being thankful for the opportunity to see another day.

This semester in school has been two things: challenging and rewarding. 

At the beginning, I was so quick to label my challenges.  To automatically feel defeated by the long list of assignments that I had to accomplish.  I would name myself according to my current circumstances. Like the seven assignments that had to be completed during a week where I had little down time – I would name my circumstances impossible. 

I was naming myself by my challenges, instead of clinging to the truth of His word, and His promises for my life.  I know that His plan for my life would not be one of defeat and failure, however; I would find myself ignoring this truth. 

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

The rewarding part comes in mainly because I have gained a new perspective.  I’ve always been thankful and I’ve always had a thankful heart towards God’s gifts in my life.  But this semester opened my eyes to the fact that my gratitude only went so far. However, this semester, the Lord has transformed my thankful heart into a heart that is thankful for EVERYTHING.  I can truly say that I am thankful for everything that this semester has thrown my way. 

I’m thankful for the nights where I have gone to bed at 4:30 in the morning, only to wake up at 7 to start the next day. 

I’m thankful for my professors who give assignments that will better me as an educator. I’m thankful for friends that encourage me even when the road seems impossible.

I’m thankful for friends who are willing to bring me coffee at the oddest hours. 

I’m thankful for a family who provides for me. 

I’m thankful for a family who supports me and pushes me. 

I’m thankful for my job, even on the days where there is a mountain of other things I’d rather be doing. 

I’m thankful for the financial stability my job gives me.

I’m thankful for the days that are nonstop, the days I barely have time to think. 
I could go on and on, but I feel like I’ve made my point. 

Mostly, I’m thankful for God’s sovereignty and His plan for my life.

I’m thankful for redirection when my heart forgets to be thankful for the work the Lord is constantly doing in my life. 

His Plan vs. My Plan:

It’s crazy that in a little over a year, I will walk across the stage and accept my undergraduate degree.  It’s even crazier that after that, I will be a teacher.  Never in a million years was this in my plan (key word: my).  Isn’t it funny how God reveals HIS plan to you step by step?  Providing just what you need to make it to the next step.  I firmly believe that realizing that these little bumps in the road is what it took to get me to the next step of God’s great plan for me.  It took me realizing that this is not something I’m capable of doing on my own.  Instead, I need to have a thankful heart and a heart that is constantly trusting in His plan for me. 

Does this mean I have it all figured out? No. Does this mean that there are only going to be positive times? No. But even when my circumstances aren’t so great, my God is.  He is greater than my circumstances.

There are still major things in my life that have question marks.  Where will I teach?  When will I get hired? How long will it take?

But you know what, these questions seem so small when I’m trusting in HIS plan.  He’s gotten me this far, so there should be no fear. I’m trusting in His sovereignty and His plan.  With that, success will come.  In what fashion, I am unsure but I know that in His timing, my future will continue to unravel in all the right ways. 

And friends, for that, I am thankful. 

In ALL things I will trust in the sovereignty of my mighty God and give Him thanks for He is good all the time. 

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1