Last week my husband suggested an idea. He said, “How about every day we talk about God’s tender mercies that come to us.” So we began. And we couldn’t think of anything. It was a stressful day at work and neither of us felt particularly good or energetic or joyful. Tender mercies? Couldn’t name a single one.
But we kept at it and as the hours progressed, those tender mercies began to appear like the first robin at springtime. You know how it is. You see a robin and rejoice that winter will soon be over, and then you see robins everywhere. And then tulips. And daffodils. Hoorah, spring is finally here!
Often he and I forget the plan until one or the other of us will bring it up. Invariably, if we haven’t been looking for the tender mercies of that day, we come up empty. But when we do, they are there.They are everywhere.
And like manna from heaven, if we forget to gather them they disappear. For us, it is easier to recognize God’s tender mercies to us the day of than the day after. And a week ago? Impossible. Maybe it’s because we’re out of practice in the art of gratitude, turning into a grumpy old couple who spend too much time working when we should be planning a trip some place exotic.
Well, we don’t want to be that grumpy old couple. We want to remember always how truly blessed we are. And that simple exercise–naming God’s tender mercies of each day–brings it home to us.
“We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live.” —David A. Bednar
karenjonesgowen 
AMEN!!!!! Was that enough exclamation points?
I figured you’d like this post after the conversation we had today 🙂 Love you, dear Jane ❤
It’s often easy to forget the blessings we have. Just need to slow down an breathe deep sometimes.
So true! Thanks, Arlee 🙂
A wonderful idea, Karen. Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in life and the negative and forget the mercies, blessings, and gratitude we should feel.
Hi Karen .. we are so lucky in being where we are … so much around us, so much available, so much help possible, so many opportunities, the grass does turn green, the seasons do turn – but mighty funnily at the moment … and as you say there’s so much to be thankful for … don’t sweat the niggledy stuff ..
A plea – please bring back the giraffes?! Cheers Hilary
“tender mercies”? At first I was confused until I read further into your post and the light dawned. Literally, lol. Sunrises, sunsets. The moon and the morning star. My grandson’s laugh and my husband’s smile. A warm blanket just out of the dryer. The cat’s trill when I speak to her.
Oh, yes. God’s tender mercies indeed.
CD Coffelt pontificates at Spirit Called
What a wonderful post. My family adopted Dieter F Uchtdorf’s talk Of Regrets and Resolutions as our family theme this year. We started with “I wish I had allowed myself to be happier”. We made a poster in January and every night before bed we all add things to it that made us happy during the day.
I was just thinking it was time to take it one step deeper and talking about tender mercies is the right direction. Thanks!
This is a wonderful talk too, Charity, as wonderful as Elder Bednar’s. I’M grateful to Karen for coming up with this topic!
I love that phrase – tender mercies. What a lovely way to look at life’s blessings. And a good reminder, Karen, to look for them each and every day.
So true! I often forget to pay attention to God’s tender mercies and it really is a good thing to do. Thanks for reminding me.
I love Joseph Prince’s 100 Days of Favor devotional for the very reason that, by day two, you’re already starting to see all the ways the Lord shines His favor down on you on a daily basis. It opens your eyes to ways He’s covered you with His wings, the times He daily reaches out and lays things out perfectly (things we don’t normally notice until we’re looking for them). The more we look to Him, the more we see just how much we are loved! I mean, He chose us before the creation of the world! That’s amazing! We have no idea how many times He perfects things for us, solves problems, saves us from catastrophes, on a daily basis! And an event so simple as finding an open parking space… or getting to be first in line at a restaurant during a busy hour, or seeing the way He shows you your favorite flower as you go about your day are ways He’s showing His perfect love. His blessings are innumerable–and the more you look for them, the more loved you feel!
Jessica
Jessica, Lovely idea for a devotional book, I’m not familiar with it but now I want to find it!
It’s easy to get caught up in lifes struggles and happenings and not see the blessings. If I can’t find a good thing to report in my day, then I thank God for the struggle. I always learn from the struggles. Shh don’t tell God I said that. 🙂
Awww look at you two!! What a vibrant loving partnership! Yay for discovering tender mercies in the everyday! take care
x
Dear Karen, for about twelve years, ever since the book about this was written, I’ve kept a gratitude journal. Each night I write down a list of five things–from that day–for which I’m grateful. Having 12 binders of these is wonderful for when a day or a period seems difficult for me, I can go back and read the year before or years before that and see the arc of my live. And be grateful for the day and the arc! Peace.
Dee, I am amazed at this. 12 binders!!!
SOO glad you posted this picture of you two (supposedly) grumpy old people! I LOVE it!!
It’s easy to take God’s blessing for granted, for sure. I do it all the time! Wonderful idea to call attention to them daily. Thanks for the reminder.
from The Dugout
Good reminder to be grateful. Thanks for the reminder.
from The Dugout