When At First

You know that person you try to avoid? In the name of peace, of course, you steer clear. The one who makes you uneasy, who makes life not easy? Maybe they are careless or cruel, or just unbearable.

I wonder if you could close your eyes and thank God for them.

This is not easy. 

But can you breathe in and thank the Creator - who gives you both breath - for His image they bear just by being here?  

Can you thank Him for being available to them the way He is available to you? 

Can you exhale and linger in the whispered truth that God made both of you, and He has a plan for each of you, and He loves you both?

Are you able to see God's kindness in it all? 

Can you ask Him to give you gratitude for this person - a real supernatural thankfulness, the likes of which you cannot acquire on your own?

We can believe God and watch while gratitude affects our attitude and His love has room to work ... putting away fear and miraculously making up for a mess of sin.

Thank You, God, for ________________.