TEARS CLEARED

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Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

It wasn’t the scene I was ready to have played out just yet.  The horn had just sounded, there were a few “specialists” around one of the “special ones” recently helped off due to injury (praying for you AS), the scoreboard read 3 to 1, wrong side winning and a wonderful journey had suddenly come to an end.

A little over a decade ago, I made a few phone calls, got a few little girls together, rolled out some little soccer balls and created the Xenia Xpress; a wacky bunch of pigtails and soon to be missing teeth, a real special collection of quirks and smirks for sure.  And over the years sometimes playing together, sometimes on opposite sides of the pitch, this little band of sisters still remain true to those roots planted back so many years ago.  They are dear friends. They are lovely young ladies.  They are the Xpress.

Yet there we were under the lights in enemy territory and the journey together on the pitch had just ended. Save for alumni a get-together down the road perhaps, the door had just closed on a very special era; the Xpress era.

But why bring this up?  I am sure my dramatic melancholy is coming across a little overblown or misplaced for some.  But I bring it up not to emphasize my “grieving” but to express my gratitude.  I am one very blessed person.

As I shared a couple weeks ago, I am blessed beyond description to have shared with these kids; to be Papa Smurf to some and Coach Greg to others.  So even though last night was a bitter pill to swallow, I am grateful and blessed this morning. And I was reminded that even in our most troubling and melancholy circumstances, gratitude clears the tears every time!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Give thanks in all circumstances

So while I would have loved to see the journey continue, I am grateful I was afforded the chance to ride as long as I did!  Blessed just to be a part of such a special group of kids and parents.

I share this little story this morning as an encouragement to anyone who has had a moment in life recently that “didn’t quite go as desired”; or one who is feeling a bit melancholy themselves.  Maybe a job offer fell through, maybe a family dispute bubbled back up, and maybe a friendship took a sour turn.  And while those things are no fun, GOD calls us to be thankful in spite of those circumstances.  Why?

Because gratitude clears the tears!

Win or lose be grateful.  Reflect on the amazing work GOD has already done and will likely do!

“Gratitude keeps us aware of God’s presence” – Charles Stanley.  And GOD's presence is right where we need to be when we are feeling a little low.

The Lord encourages us to exercise continuous gratitude because He knows the spirit is lifted and courage strengthened when we focus on His work in our life. When we are grateful we can see past the temporary disappointment and see clearly His sovereignty, His truth and His promise on our lives!

Romans 8:28

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

So while I “express” a sullen and sad goodbye to the era of the “XPRESS” this morning, I thank you GOD for the wonderful work these little girls who seemingly just kicked a ball around a field have done in my life and the amazing journey that is to come as I continue to watch them grow and flourish. And I trust YOU GOD that it will all continue to be GOOD regardless what that scoreboard may say.

Tears cleared!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

 

Pastor GDelaney