Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

The Privilege is All Mine

Posted on By jennifer

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.  Selah.  Psalm 68:19

We are blessed people.  I am richly blessed.  We sing songs about all our blessings, memorize scripture verses (like the one above) and have quotes by the hundreds reminding us to be thoughtful of and grateful for all of our blessings.  While scrolling through some of those quotes, this one was new to me (and one of my favorites):

“I have too many flaws to be perfect. But I have too many blessings to be ungrateful.”

I wish I could come up with such meaningful sentences…that express so much in just a few phrases.  With or without thoughtful quotes, I have been thinking about my blessings.  And, hand in hand with blessings, the privileges I am given.  Graced to me by my Heavenly Father.  Because, truth be told, I do not always recognize – nor appreciate – my blessings and privileges for what they truly are!

For instance, prayer and Bible study are great privileges.  My talents are a blessing and whatever chance I have to use those talents is a privilege.  My friends and family are blessings.  The time I have to minister to them is a privilege.  Time I have to serve others is also a privilege.  And the resources He has given me to serve with are also a blessing.

You see the connection.  Blessings and privileges go hand and hand.  Both given by God and neither are chores, burdens or items to checked off on my “good Christian list.”  This is key.  How I view my both my blessings and my privileges will determine my attitude and my approach toward them.  Isn’t it just like the enemy to (oh so gently) twist our thinking about the very gifts God has so generously given?  If we are not careful, they can become a chore – that drains us mentally and physically.  Or, perhaps, they can be seen as a source of pride or a way to stay in good favor – with others or even with Christ.  It happens.  And it happens subtly.

We are blessed people.  With blessing and privilege comes responsibility.  Not simply to name our blessings one by one – which is a good thing – but to be busy.  Daily getting to know our Savior more. Striving to be more like Him.  Walking through open doors, looking for divine appointments, and seizing the opportunities given to serve others and use our gifts.

Grateful, thankful and blessed.  And privileged.  Yes – I am!

Tell His Story

Comments (7)

  1. Yes, privileges and blessings so intertwined and both from God. Hadn’t thought about how we sometimes turn these into chores. So thanks. What a great observation and one I will be thinking about today.

  2. Thank you Jennifer for this wonderful reminder of things we often take for granted. I appreciate the way you remind us that our blessings and privileges can easily be twisted by the enemy, feel like chores rather than privileges and tempt us with pride.

    1. Donna, I am so glad you stopped by today and took the time to comment! So nice to meet you:) I look forward to visiting your blog!

  3. I was just talking about this with someone this morning: “We are blessed people. With blessing and privilege comes responsibility.” It’s not always how we want to see it (the responsibility part, ha) but it’s a package deal. Thanks for linking up at Grace & Truth!

  4. jennifer i so love this verse …i should memorize it ….you touched on so much in this blog good good thoughts
    CHRISTIANITY w/benefits
    love those phrases too /the ones I am not clever enough to come up with but agree with

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