It is not always celebrated at the same time or in the same way in Ukraine, but thanksgiving is not merely a holiday -- it is something that Christians are to display in our lives all the time! So I want to share a particular thought with you about having an "attitude of gratitude"...
Many of you probably know the song "Little By Little" - well, I thought of that as I was reflecting on the process of learning a new language...it truly IS 'little by little' and 'step by step'. Unfortunately, most days my tendency is to desire it to come 'by leaps and bounds!'
It is good to have goals, and my goal is to successfully complete this Russian language course by May 2013 (usually students would study 2 years to complete the course) so that I can transition into full-time ministry here in Ukraine.
The language is difficult, and with the time constraints and intensity of the instruction, it sometimes feels like I will never accomplish the goal! Some days are particularly hard, when I think I've made some progress and I'm beginning to understand the current concept, and then I realize that I've forgotten a few of the important points I learned at the beginning of the course. There is just SO MUCH to remember!!
My teacher continually reminds me that my frustration and challenges are normal and she is very encouraging. She has told me several times recently that I am doing very well, and I am grateful for that.
I am a high achiever, and I want to do well in everything I do, so I am usually really hard on myself when I make a mistake. This can be a good thing, but only in moderation. Well, this past week I realized that my attitude towards this language learning needed an adjustment.
I had been so focused on "the goal" that I had forgotten to enjoy the process and be thankful for the steps along the way. And this means being thankful for even the mistakes and the hard times when in my human weakness I feel inadequate.
Yes, I DO need to make realistic goals for myself and work hard to do well at this task which has been entrusted to me. Everything I do I must do in such a way to please my Lord and also to be able to do effectively what He has asked me to do. But I also need to trust that in His wisdom and grace He will keep me and will enable me to do what I am not able to on my own.
So I'm working on my attitude of gratitude...
...In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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