In Everything Give Thanks

 

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thess. 5:16-18

This simple painted canvas 

with napkin leaves was done in fall 2006.

The hand-lettered Scripture verse with a Sharpie

was the prayer verse that held our 

family together in some very rough seas.

Every fall it comes out to hang on

 the wall as a reminder of the 

blessing of God's faithfulness.

The lettering had faded 

and a few years ago I wrote over it again.

Every time I walk by it, 

I stop and see a part of the verse

 to whisper in a heart prayer.

Pray...

rejoice without ceasing,

in everything give thanks,

pray without ceasing.

The right landing spot for each Spirit-led Breath.

I give thanks for the experiences we never 

wanted, but were allowed in our lives, 

so that we stand sixteen years later-

 still giving thanks to God.