🍂💛 Thankful Hearts · Day Six
November 6 | Ezra 3:11–12
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy.
— Ezra 3:11–12 (KJV)
What I love about this passage is when the people began to sing. The temple was still being rebuilt. They had only laid the foundation, and already there was reason to give thanks.
And then there were the tears. Some of the older people who remembered the first temple wept as they looked at the new foundation, while others shouted for joy. I find that picture so tender. There was room for both that day.
Sometimes a new beginning brings back memories of what we’ve lost. We can miss what once was and still thank God for the little bit of hope we see today. Gratitude can have tears in it, too. 💛
🙏 Lord, thank You for the beginnings I sometimes overlook. When joy and sorrow come together, help me bring both to You and notice Your goodness in the middle of unfinished things. Amen.
What small beginning are you thankful for today? 🍁
Helene 😊
Rosemary Thyme 🌿
Fall In Love With Home Again 💛🏡
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