Putting Things in Perspective

Favor2012. It's been a foundational thought for me all year. I started this past year expecting God's favor, and I surely have received it. But in the past few days, I found myself a little somber, focusing on some things that haven't been so great this year, especially lately. So in a moment of needing God with an audible voice, I called my friend, Pam, and this is what she said: "Go home and worship. By yourself. Just worship and praise Him." Then she asked an interesting question: "How long has it been since you played your piano just for you and Him? Not in a service, but just for Him?" My answer? Forever. I rarely do the thing I love just as an act of worship and thanksgiving to my Father. I let distractions and lack of time take me away from something in which I find great joy: music. I will change that in the coming days. And since my wise friend helped me to re-focus my thoughts, I have been pondering the creation of a list: could I go back through 2012 and remember every time I have found God's favor in my life, every month of the year? Maybe my journal will jog my memory, and maybe, in taking time to sit still before God -- no distractions -- He will call to mind the things for which I owe Him my praise. And so, before midnight on December 31, I will be working on my praise list. Nice to be thinking wonderful thoughts because as much as we might think we can multi-task, the brain cannot. If I am praising Him and remembering His favor, I simply cannot focus on the negative. It's not scientifically or spiritually possible. I will begin with this and the rest will come later: my whole family of children and grandchildren will be together this afternoon for the first time since August. That's enough favor to last me a very long time. Thank You, God.