“Give Thanks For…You.”

“Give Thanks For…You.”

That—right there.

Read it again. I had to. In fact, I wrote it down and I had to read it over and over again. That is... a lot to process for me.

This isn’t a statement meant to put yourself “above” others—you know what I mean, like, “Wow, I am so thankful that I am not like THAT!” It isn’t elevating myself. Actually, it is humbling myself.

For those who follow my socials, my blog, my “sites,” you know there is no question that I give thanks. In fact, Joy In All Seasons is based on having a heart of thankfulness. But I was challenged by these words.

I have a sign in my kitchen that says, “There is always something to be thankful for,” and I agree with that wholeheartedly. I have searched for nuggets to praise over in the midst of a room full of rubble. I seek out something—anything—to keep my focus on the hope beyond the moment, to be thankful while standing in the middle of it. It is a choice I continue to learn to make.

I can rejoice and be thankful for others—their blessings, their successes. I can see where they have grown and cheer them on. I can do that with my whole heart. I can thank the Lord for what He has done in me, and I do. In that, I take comfort in knowing that He is not done yet—that He is still working through my choices, my situations, my hurts, my victories—anything that I have claimed to be “me.”

But this… this I had to chew on.

Let’s be real—I don’t. I don’t just give thanks for… me.

Not what I can do, or have done, or will do. I do thank the Lord for His work that was, is, and will be. I am so thankful that He allows me to be part of His plan. But those are the actions.

I do not just sit with the Father, my Creator, and say,“Thank You for making me.”

Truth be told, I complain about “me” a lot. I compare some. I have the typical “wish I was…” and “I remember when I wasn’t…” or “when I was…” I see “me” through comparison rather than through design.

The Lord God designed me. His design isn’t flawed—it’s perfect, because He is perfect. It is unique because His plan for me is unique.

I am not 5'8". I am 5'5.5" (gotta throw that half inch in there 😉). I can’t reach where my adult children and husband can. I have to get a chair to stand on. Does that make me less?

(Ridiculous, I know—but stay with me here.)

The answer, of course, is no. But I complain about it. Why? Because I am inconvenienced by having to get something to stand on? Because I am the shortest in the family? Because I don’t want to ask for help?

Friends—I am humbled, and I am being honest. I am not giving thanks to the One who made me, the same One who knit me together... and it needs to change.

I am guessing I am not the only one who needs to hear this and experience this change.

God is a strategic God. He creates us, forms us, to put us places others can’t go—to do what others can’t do. Even in the complexities, all of these are able to point us to Him and encourages us trust Him in the struggle. When we surrender our pride and insecurities, allowing the Truth and Love of our Creator to define us—even in the “uniqueness” that we often see as “less than”—we will accept His place for us. We also gain confidence, peace, and security, that knowing His strength in our weaknesses is truly grace, given to us as we put our faith in Him. (2 Cor. 12:9-10) 

Many have heard me say this before:“Our God is not a ‘cookie-cutter’ God.”

From head to toe, His plan is revealed, and His love is needed.

Some of you may say, “But Jenni, my circumstances made me…” I will listen—but I will encourage with this:

“Friend, your circumstances do not define ‘you.’ Your Creator does.”

Jesus didn’t come to earth, fully God and fully man, to walk with, talk with, eat with, heal, and die for your circumstances. He came for the you in the middle of your circumstances.

Change everything—your hair color, your job, your financial situation, your family situation, your past, your style, your education—He still came for you, He created. He still sees the you, He created.He still loves you, He created.

“For God does not show favoritism.” - Romans 2:11

Do me a favor. Let that sink in.

Maybe go to a mirror. Look at the person in it and say,“Thank You, Lord, for creating me.”

It truly changes your focus—from what you have done to shape your view (and others’ view) of you, and places it on the One who loves you, wants you to know His love, and desires you to trust Him with His purpose for the you He created.

God loves what He creates.

And that, my friend, is you.

The you that is, is not alone. I am learning right alongside of you – and it is humbling. Thankfully, the Lord has put the you(s) and me(s) on this path at the same time and loves us the same. So, be encouraged, as I am, that although our "youniqueness" often puts us in different locations, in the Body of Christ, we are all one family, designed to be different, yet loved the same. So, give thanks - for YOU.

Always here to listen, to pray, to encourage…

• Jenni

(Additional biblical proof: Psalm 139:1–18, Hebrews 13:20–21, Romans 1:29 – not an exhaustive list.)