November Gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for Mercy!”
Following a gorgeous, sunshiny, color-drenched October, the first day of November arrived shrouded in dull gray, weeping uncontrollably the whole day long.
Despite saying good-bye to my favorite month, combined with the chilly, cloudy, rainy day, I awoke with a thankful heart. After all, I had already committed to making November a month of intentional gratitude.
I was thankful for the plan my husband and I had made for the day. Unhurried devotional time. Quick trip to the gym. Lunch with friends in Spokane at a favorite Thai restaurant. Brief stops at Trader Joe’s and Hobby Lobby before returning home to Coeur d’Alene. Eating a zero-prep dinner of Thai leftovers. Watching a couple episodes of a BBC detective show we enjoy (perhaps a bit too much).
The perfect autumn day for a semi-retired couple!
But this pleasant day could have ended in an unpleasant accident. Making a left-hand turn into a Spokane parking lot, Ron unwittingly turned illegally. His action startled a fellow who had the right-of-way. The guy honked angrily. Ron—speaking to no one in particular—apologized profusely. As for me, I exhaled a deep sigh of relief, exclaiming, “Thank you, Lord; thank you; thank you; thank you for mercy!”
Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving in which the writer encourages God’s people to never forget the many times and multiple ways God had shown them mercy. Mercy, as used in the Bible, is defined as giving forgiveness rather than punishment—even when penalty is deserved.
How about you? Can you recall a time when you received mercy rather than retribution? If so, why not take a minute to say “thanks” to God, whose “mercy endures forever!”
I am thankful for each of you this November day!
