The Upper Room devotional reflection for Thursday, July 14, 2022 comes to us from Robert K. Abel of Maryland.
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV
“A Rediscovered Gift”
After being confined to my home for a week recovering from ankle surgery, church friends asked if I would like to go out for lunch. Although my mobility was limited to a scooter, I immediately accepted. When I rolled out the front door, the winter air blew across my face. It was as if I had never experienced fresh air! It was renewing. On that day, thoughtful friends helped me rediscover a gift I had forgotten.
Each day is a gift from God; but how often do we pause to think about each day as the refreshing new gift it is? We tend to take simple, recurring experiences for granted; that is, until we no longer have them. Sometimes difficulty, like a bad ankle helps us think about God’s simple blessings. My ankle surgery was a brief setback but through the kindness of friends, it awakened me to gifts I previously failed to notice or fully appreciate. Each day is a breath of fresh air from God – a time to celebrate all of God’s perfect gifts.
Friends –
Over the last several weeks I have been able to be outside for my daily (almost) walking regimen. The warmer weather is encouraging me to concentrate on the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us. Beautiful big trees grace the bright blue sky as the puffy clouds blow across the horizon. I find myself full of gratitude for God’s beautiful creation. Robert. K. Abel reminds all of us to celebrate all the beauty that surrounds, remembering that the beauty is a precious and holy gift from God. I invite you to consider the beauty of God’s world as it surrounds you this day.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Thank You, God, for each new day with all that it offers, and forgive us for failing to notice or fully appreciate it. In the name of Jesus, who gave the greatest gift. Amen.
--Robert K. Abel
Prayer Focus: Those recovering from Surgery.
Thought for the Day: What simple joy from God will I give thanks for today?
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:17 (NRSV)