It is heartrendingly sad that we Christians often fail to see “the whole picture.” The way of the modern church is to pick apart the Bible, a verse here, a verse there. Rarely do the Christians of today see the Bible as an actual redemptive history of God’s work. Choosing to not realize that misses the whole picture of God’s grace.

In our culture of “facts,” we miss the blessings and gifts right in front of us. As a parent I see this in my own calling. If my children are still sinning often in the areas that I work so hard to train them in I take it very hard. I take this motherhood-business very seriously and I’d love for my children to show me the fruit of my labor.

The other day, I was in deep discouragement. My children could feel my down-cast spirit. They also overheard me sharing this trial with my husband over the phone. Later that afternoon, my eldest, who is eight-years-old, came to me, Bible in hand. She gave it to me and asked me to read a certain passage in Psalms. I read it to her and she encouraged me to find comfort in its words. She pointed to some of the words of that chapter and reminded me of God’s promises.

Now if that is not a beautiful display of the fruit of my labors, I could never know what was. The problem is, I did not see that at the time. I thought “How nice that my daughter knows her Bible” and left it at that.

Yes, I felt uplifted from the life-giving, attitude-wrangling words from my Father. But I did not see the gift.

It was not until that evening when I related to my husband the details of my day that my overlooking became apparent sin. I included that snippet of our daughter and then proceeded to talk about the housework that was overwhelming me. In typical fashion, my husband stopped me to challenge my heart:

Don’t you see, Kelly? What a gift! Our hard work has paid off. Look at God’s grace in rewarding us!

And it was true. The realization that our eight-year-old was looking to God’s word to bring comfort to her mother is frankly overwhelming. God used our obedience to Him and we are in turn blessed by it. So why was I so quick to not see this?

I am the type of person who has succumbed to our world of “black and white,” facts, and suppression of emotion. I do not delight in God’s law as I should, neither do I see that His gifts and blessings come in other ways than food on our table and clothing to wear. I “see” the busywork and miss the blessings.

This is not good and it should not be so.

My challenge to my siblings in Christ is this: notice everything in your day. Recognize God’s grace and mercy in all things. Do not overlook the seemingly minute gifts He has given you.

And thank Him continually.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18

Photo credits: wharman, mcdlttx