Blessed by Not Receiving

Day One hundred twenty-six: 30 Challenge, day 10.

Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:6-11.

My thoughts. "no mind has conceived-these things God has prepared for those who love him." Another reason to be thankful - for the promise of the future.

Challenge thoughts. We need to remember to be thankful for the problems, temptations, hurts, destructions we've been spared. This should also lead us to intercede for those they do befall.

Challenge. List some of the blessings I've received simply because these things haven't shown up in life. I know that struggles can make me stronger. They can be blessings in their own ways. I feel hesitant to make a list like this because it might come across wrong, but I think I need to acknowledge these things. I can do that without lessening the indirect blessings God brings through struggles. I think. I hope.

I sleep well - no insomnia. Hundreds and hundreds of miles driven without flat tires, car accidents, car trouble (well, very little). I have never broken any bones. I don't have any learning disabilities. I've never gone without food, shelter, or clothing. I don't struggle with addictions to drugs or alcohol or cigarettes. I don't have any physical disabilities. I'm generally pain free. My migraines are extremely rare and typically separated by years. I have never been a victim of abuse of any kind. I have all my senses. I've never been a victim of violence. I've lost few loved ones. Storms have not damaged my home.

This list could go on and on and truly it does.

Thank you, God, for sparing me these things. You have blessed me in millions of ways. Thank you for helping me to see the ways in new ways.