Remember His mercies

      Just a little food for thankful thought on this Lord's day:
     William Gurnall,  an English pastor in the 17th century, wrote:
      "Resolve to spend time everyday thinking about what has passed between God and you.  Think... about the mercies you have received from the Lord.  Do not be like Pilate, who asked a question but did not wait for a reply. (John 18:38)  Stay until you have received a full report of God's gracious dealings with you, and you will find memories of mercies, both new and old, flooding your soul. Meditating often on the magnitude of God's goodness teaches us to rejoice even in times of trouble, for the little evil that is our portion is drowned in the sea of His abundant mercies on our behalf."
     Might we this day set aside our agendas and all we have to do and pause for a few minutes to remember.  Remember His "mercies, both new and old."  Remember the moments of laughter.  Remember the unexpected strength in adversity.  Remember those seemingly small moments of joy: reading to a child a night, watching a soccer game on a crisp fall day, taking a hot shower after a walk on a cold day, basking in the sun on the beach with a good book, walking your dog on a spring day, tasting ripe, homegrown tomatoes, smelling the gardenias by your walkway, hugging tightly a dear friend or family member, the sound of your child's voice, sitting down together for thanksgiving lunch.
     And remember God's grace in your life.  His amazing, undeserved grace poured out upon you... over and over and over again.  Remember His mercy, His forgiveness, His sacrifice, His infinite love... for you.  Yes, "Meditating often on the magnitude of God's goodness teaches us to rejoice even in times of trouble, for the little evil that is our portion is drowned in the sea of His abundant mercies on our behalf."
      Today, remember.  And be thankful.  To God be the glory.