We lay “claim” to things everyday, usually without a
thought. Whenever we start a statement with “My”, we claim ownership.
Having thought on this over the years, I think I am finally getting it.
Although I may have a headache or a flair up of arthritis, do I really
want to “own” them? No. I want them to go away. Nevertheless, when I
refer to them as “My” I assert ownership. Today instead of commenting on
or talking about the negative things in “My” life I take whatever
secular action is indicated, aspirin, heating pad, ice pack etc followed
by a short prayer thanking God for knowing Him better. Today I claim
all the gifts and blessings that God has not only for me but for you as
well, that all I desire in “My” life comes to you as well. Years ago I
came upon this piece on blessings:
A
man found himself standing at the gates leading to heaven. He was upset
and relieved at the same time. Upset that he passed but relieved that
he was standing at heaven’s gate. Saint Peter greeted him and motioned
for him to come forward. As he walked through the gates, he was struck
speechless by the beauty and peace that greeted him. Saint Peter ushered
him around showing him the wonders of heaven. Finally, they came upon a
rather plain building, its plainness a stark contrast against the
beauty of all the others. Turning to Saint Peter he asked, “What is
that building?” Saint Peter replied, “All of Heaven is open to you but I
strongly suggest that you leave that structure alone.” The man nodded,
for who would question a Saint? Well of course, he could not get that
one building out of his mind and after a time asked, “You said all of
Heaven is open to me so if I wished to visit any building I can?” With a
look of resignation, Saint Peter nodded for he knew what building the
man was thinking of. As they walked, Saint Peter waited for the
statement that always followed. Soon the man turned to him and said, “I
would like to go back to the plain building.” With sadness and a pass of
his hand Saint Peter deposited them on the doorstep of the building. “I
would urge you again not to go in.” The man nodded but he would not be
swayed. As the doors opened, the man was greeted with the sight of row
upon row of shelves on which rested exquisite boxes each inscribed with a
name. He turned to Saint Peter and asked if there was a box with his
name on it. Saint Peter replied yes but again suggested they leave the
building. Undeterred the man ran down the aisles until he found the box
with his name on it. As he took it down from the shelf, there were tears
in Saint Peter’s eyes, undeterred he removed the lid.
As he looked in the box his heart fell for the box contained all the
blessings that God had gifted him that had been left unclaimed. He then
knew and they wept together.
Claim all of God’s blessings for you today and if you don‘t know what they are, ask and He will show you.
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