What’s in Your Angel’s Basket? – by Desmond Ford
Feb 7, 2016 2177
Two angels set out from heaven, each with a basket to bring back the prayers and thanksgiving of those on earth. The angel of thanksgiving started with a large hamper; the collector of petitions with a small basket.
When they returned, each was in trouble. The petitions overflowed the small basket and filled a sack as well. But the bottom of the large hamper was not even covered by the three tiny thanksgivings!
We dare not despise the nine lepers who were cleansed and did not return to thank Jesus. It has always been much easier for all of us to cry “give me” than to give thanks. One of our greatest needs, which if fulfilled will multiply our joy, is the need to think and to thank.
The trouble is, of course, this poor human nature of yours and mine. Our human nature is as crooked as a corkscrew. To say “thank you” is just as difficult for us as to practice giving rather than getting.
Two boys went out to gather grapes. One was happy because they found so many, the other was unhappy because the grapes had seeds. One convalescent man said, “I’m better today,” another said, “I was worse yesterday.” Watching the rain, one woman said, “It will settle the dust. Another woman said, “This will make mud.” Two children looked through coloured glasses. “The world is beautifully bright,” breathed one. “It’s too blue,” cried the other.
When the class was asked to list what they were thankful for, Drew surprisingly included glasses on his list. “Why are you thankful for glasses” asked the teacher. Drew replied, “because the boys won’t hit me and the girls won’t kiss me.”
Misery is simply a synonym for ingratitude. There is always something to be thankful for each day, even if it’s only for what hasn’t happened.
– Des Ford. Rom 8:27–32. Adapted from “A Tithe of Thanks.”
Leave a Reply