One-Eighty

June 6, 2020 by  
Filed under Daily Devotions, Life Topics

By Robin J. Steinweg –

I sat at a table in the food court just after Christmas. Three teen girls squeezed in next to me. I found myself included in their conversation whether I chose to be or not.

“My grandma gave me ten measly dollars.”

“That’s better than what I got. At least you get to pick out something you want. I’m stuck with ugly mittens and a hat—that my grandma made.”

I pictured a gray-haired lady in a tattered shawl and fingerless gloves huddled close to her space heater. She ignores the searing pain in her knotted joints as she knits (having gone without lunch for months in order to afford the yarn), smiling wistfully and fondly praying over this granddaughter with every painful stitch.

Manna. In Exodus 16 God’s people were hungry. He sent heavenly food to them with the dew each night. It tasted “like wafers made with honey.” By Numbers 11, they were tired of manna. They whined about it. And then Moses complained about their complaining. God became “exceedingly angry” and sent quail until they were so sick of it, it came out their nostrils.

The third girl spoke up. “I’d be happy for even a hug from my grandma. She died a few months ago.”

The girls got quiet. They got the point.

Not only they: I looked at the brand-new coat I’d planned to replace that day, complaining it wasn’t quite my style. I thanked God for it, took the money I would have spent on a new one, and tucked it into the Salvation Army bucket. Grateful.

PRAYER: Lord, You’ve caused a one-eighty in my perspective and reminded me to be grateful. Thank You!

BIBLE VERSE: “O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever” (Psalm 30:12b NIV).

About Robin Steinweg

Today’s devotional is by Robin J. Steinweg. Robin’s life might be described using the game Twister: the colored dots are all occupied, limbs intertwine (hopefully not to the point of tangling), and you never know which dot the arrow will point to next, but it sure is fun getting there!
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Comments

5 Responses to “One-Eighty”
  1. Lori Lipsky says:

    An attitude of gratitude is easily dulled or forgotten, so I am glad for this reminder to be grateful. Thanks, Robin, and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

  2. Vicky Dresser says:

    Robin,
    It is so very easy to take for granted blessings that come our way everyday. This was a wake up call. Thank you for sharing and reminding me how blessed I am. The gifts don’t really matter. It’s the giver and the love we receive and give in return. Here is to cherishing our parents, grandparents, our children, family , and each friend. God has given us more than we can even wrap our minds around. I hope and pray God blesses you beyond measure for your faithfulness and generous spirit. Enough seriousness. May God bless your socks off!!!
    Love, Vicky

  3. Chris Prengaman says:

    That’s beautiful, Robin. Thank you for sending me the info. Tell your mom we miss her and will always love her and your dad in a special way. I’m sorry about his passing. He was one of the best men I’ve ever known, along with John’s dad. I hope they are swapping stories up in Heaven!

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