The Gift of Sacrifice

Give Thanks

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23

My breath caught as I saw giving thanks defined as a sacrifice here. Is it really that hard? Does it truly stretch us as we discipline ourselves to acknowledge where all good and perfect gifts come from?

I then discovered a sacrifice by definition is an offering of surrender. And when we give thanks to God for all He has done for us, we are are surrendering…accepting we couldn’t have or do or be without Him.

So today, I bow low and offer high. I extend my simple offering of thanks to My King, the author of my salvation.

Thank You, Father, for:

  • Never changing. You are the only constant in my life.
  • Lavishing me with Your undeserving grace and scandalous love.
  • Showing glimpses of Your splendor through nature. You never paint the same sunrise twice and I’ll never get over…You.
  • Blessing me with the role of mother, this gift of watching over Your children.
  • Having hope and never giving up on me.
Thou that has given so much to me,
Give one thing more — a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert

How about you, friend? What are you thankful for today? Let’s offer a sacrifice of praise together. Please, do share in comments something you wouldn’t have without Him. I’d love to hear.

7 Responses to The Gift of Sacrifice
  1. Missy
    November 3, 2013 | 9:08 am

    Thanksliving – yes – I need to be consciously choosing to live in a constant state of thanks for all that has been done. And will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. I am feeling thankful for the gift of words that put my desire to be thankful into proper perspective. I love the idea of being stretched to better fit the heart wants to grow in me, Nikki.

    • Nikki
      November 4, 2013 | 10:08 am

      It is a choice, isn’t it, Missy. This mindset of gratitude and sacrifice. There’s such peace and thankfulness to be found in it! So glad you’re discovering yours, friend. Thanks for sharing with me! {HUGS}

  2. susie klein
    November 3, 2013 | 12:23 pm

    Oh this is so beautiful Nikki. I am embracing it and will savor it all day today. thank you!
    Susie

    • Nikki
      November 4, 2013 | 10:08 am

      Oh, thank you, Susie. Yes, let’s savor long His splendor! {HUGS}

  3. Barbie
    November 4, 2013 | 1:45 am

    Oh His scandalous love! “A heart whose pulse may be thy praise.” YES! That’s how I want to be. Blessings!

    • Nikki
      November 4, 2013 | 10:09 am

      That is my favorite line of any quote I think, Barbie! praying both our hearts pulse His praise today, friend–and every day! {HUGS}

  4. Dawn
    November 8, 2013 | 11:47 pm

    Beautiful, Nikki. Love every drop of what you shared. The picture, quote, each gift and the final passage- your thoughts always breathe fresh life giving encouragement!