Glimpses of Greatness

Many times in life we fail to take note of glimpses, passing glances. They can be so mild that our senses will miss them. We love grand gestures and dramatic shows. Those excite our emotions and take us to cloud 9. But did you know that those glimpses are a precursor to the grandeur. Did you know that taking note of and appreciating the glimpses opens the door to the dramatic show you are waiting for. This is an article about an attitude of gratitude. How would you rate yourself when it comes to appreciating the little things in life? I am reminded of the song Simple tins by Tarus Riley if I am not wrong. 

There is nothing wrong in wanting to see great things happening. We all want to see it and that is fine. The only issue is when we fail to take note of the simple ones and express gratitude for them. There is a lot we lose when we are focused only on the mindboggling occurrences of our daily life.

Focus on the Journey

Do not be so focused on the final destination that you fail to enjoy the journey. Taking the SGR or bus to the Coast is a good example to use here. There is so much beautiful scenery along the way. It would do you a great disservice if you only focused on the beach you are going to see at the coast. You would miss out on the beauty of the Tsavo, the distant view of the Taita Hills, the stopover at Mtito Andei and so much more. The loss would be significant. Appreciating the glimpses of greatness along the way sets the stage for the grand experience of the vacation at the coast.

Mercy drops

Before the Showers of blessing, there are drops of mercy. Ezekiel 34:26. Before a heavy downpour, there are light showers to prepare the way. Don’t put off your celebration until the heaviness comes down. Enjoy the build-up. Be grateful for the build-up. Revel in the build-up. The victory tastes much sweeter when you remember the process you had to go through.

The leper

Luke 17:11-19. A story is told about a group of lepers who went to Jesus and received healing from him. While 9 of them went on their way as though they were entitled to it, one remembered to go back and say thank you. Something profound happened when he did so. There was a perfection of what he had received. Jesus told him your faith has made you whole. The concept of wholeness is such that nothing would be missing as far as his wellness was concerned. Gratitude opens the door for God to be and do more for you. It’s the secret sauce to the best God has to offer. Don’t be stingy with your gratitude.

Balance

I have noted something about the Israelites when it comes to giving thanks. They are extravagant. Just read Psalm 137 to see an example. Or check out Stephen’s sermon in the book of Acts. They have a way of enumerating everything that God has done for them through the ages. Unfortunately some of us don’t remember to do that. We are quick when it comes to asking for stuff from God but very stingy with our gratitude. I am calling us to a place of balance where you spend as much time giving thanks as you do asking for the same blessings. The God who gives delights in the gratitude of his people. We must learn the art of thanksgiving.

Bears, lions the Goliath

David’s story is also a good reminder. 1 Samuel 17:34-38.  When it came to facing Goliath, he had the confidence that he would triumph. The reason for this was that he had seen earlier victories in his life facing lions and bears in his daily grind. The little victories prepare you for the big battle that is coming ahead. They show you what is possible if you trust in God. Remember to reflect on the far that God has brought you and be thankful for it. It will energize you to go to the next level. So go ahead and celebrate that small opportunity, make the most of the current hand you are dealt, how you handle it will determine how tomorrow looks like for you. He that is faithful with a little will be entrusted with a lot more. Don’t be ungrateful because you are waiting for that big break to testify.

Awhile back I wrote a book entitled Blessed to be a Blessing where I delved deeper into this conversation. If you would like to know some of the things you can thank God for, grab yourself a copy by placing your order through CLC Kenya https://kenyaclc.org/shop/blessed-to-be-a-blessing-2/