The Queen of France's Diamonds

There's a poignant scene in the HBO documentary, John Adams, that takes place at the end of Adams' life. As the 90-year-old statesman walks with his son, Thomas, he pauses to marvel at a tiny blossom in a field of weeds. “I have seen a queen of France with 18 million livres of diamonds on her person,” he says, “but I declare that all the charms of her face and figure added to all the glitter of her jewels did not inspire me as much as that little shrub there. 

“Your mother always said that I never delighted enough in the mundane,” he said, "but now, I find if I look at even the smallest thing . . . my imagination begins to roam the Milky Way. 

“Rejoice evermore. Rejoice evermore! REJOICE EVERMORE! . . . Oh, I wish that had always been in my heart and on my tongue. I am filled with an irresistible impulse to fall on my knees in adoration . . .” 

Of late, Ann Voskamp and her N.Y. Times bestselling book, 1,000 Gifts, have eloquently challenged us to pursue a life of gratitude. The concept, however, isn’t new. 

The Psalmist penned songs of praise and thanks to God including this one: “We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near,” (Psalm 75:1). 

Jesus continually practiced thankfulness, “And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all,” (Acts 27:35). 

And the apostle Paul encouraged believers to fulfill God’s will by living a grateful life, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” (I Thess. 5:18). 

“Naming what I would otherwise miss makes visible the invisible” Voskamp says. As we acknowledge the many things for which we are thankful, she says, it’s like “unwrapping love.” 

And for those things that don’t feel like gifts? Will you trust him? Will you bow your will to his and say Thank you by faith? 

Don’t wait until you’re 90 to discover what John Adams did—that delighting in the mundane ushers us into unspeakable joy. 

For what are you thankful today? Leave a comment below to join the chorus of grateful hearts. If you're reading by email, click here to comment.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like "My Senior Citizen's Discount and Thankfulness." 

I'm SO EXCITED to be presenting a Christian devotion writing workshop on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Steele Creek Church of Charlotte, N.C., sponsored by Debbie Somjak's Unfolded Hearts Ministry. Here's the scoop:

Do you have a desire to write for God, but don't know how to begin? If so, we invite you to be a part of this empowering hands-on workshop where you'll learn a step-by-step process for writing a devotion with author and speaker, Lori Hatcher.
Class space is limited. Your spot is reserved once payment is received. Please visit UHM webpage for further details and registration info.
**Registration Required, space is limited: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.  Cost $25

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If you enjoyed this devotion, you'll love Lori's devotional book for homeschooling moms, Joy in the Journey.
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