"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4, ESV).
Pastor Philip talked about this verse today, and he talked about how genuine rejoicing begins with genuinely being grateful. He asked us to think of two things we are grateful for, but I'm pretty sure I can be grateful for way more than that. Let's go:
1. This computer.
2. My car.
3. My church.
4. My friends.
5. My roommates.
6. My family.
(All of a sudden I feel like this is the trailer for Don Jon.)
7. My phone.
8. This seat that opened up for me at Starbucks.
9. The barista that was nice to me.
10. The money I have been able to save.
11. The job I have that's flexible and pays more than I've ever been paid.
12. The audition I got the other day, even though I didn't get the part.
13. The directors and people that were nice to me there.
14. All the crazy ideas God gives me for writing projects and other.
15. The ability to overcome my sugar addiction (as I'm currently watching a barista put the caramel on top of the whip cream of a caramel frappuccino).
16. The Bible.
17. Good movies.
18. Good food.
19. Good books.
20. Cute little kids and babies (that are not mine but I can enjoy for small chunks of time).
21. Classes that are available to me once I get enough money and figure out where to go.
22. Dance class!
23. The beach.
24. The sun.
25. God's voice in my head.
26. The Culver City Stairs I just climbed.
27. That I don't have to worry about where my next job or money is coming from because God always provides.
28. That I don't have to worry about becoming a big star or author because God is in control, and all I have to do is obey.
29. For the decaf soy latte I think I'm about to order. (I got a breakfast sandwich the first time.)
30. For people that are willing to share their life stories and thoughts with others through books, blogging, movies, plays, and other creative ways. (May you all continue to keep the faith and work hard, and may your creative masterpieces reveal The Truth in a way that reaches even the most unusual of people.)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phil. 4:8-9).
I think the above list qualifies as good things to think about, so I need to remember when I'm lacking in good thoughts, that there are actually a ton of good things to be thinking about and rejoicing over. And what is the result of this?
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).
Ahh.. Peace. Could use a little more of that.
