Do you like to watch awards shows? I do. It’s interesting to see who gets awards, and what they get the award for. But more than that it is interesting to hear how they are introduced. Often they are lauded as, “The great and wonderful…” Whether it is an athlete, musician or actor, they are usually described in glowing terms.
Then when they get to the podium, with their award in hand, I am fascinated by who they give credit to, who they thank. Are they aware of the many sacrifices made by many others who helped them get to that point?
Adam Young, of the band Owl City is an example of what I mean.
Years ago he came out with the song “Fireflies.” This song reached number one in the USA and many other countries around the world.
So what? At the time, he was a relatively new artist, and people wondered, “Who is this Adam Young guy with the super awesome song?” People started rubbing shoulders with him, commenting that he seems different. So nice backstage. What is going on with this guy?
He made a post on his blog (no longer online, but read the Christianity Today article about it here) that answered the question. He stayed up late into the night recording a song that he says, “If I were to count on one hand the songs that moved me, this one would take the cake.” Do you recognize the words to the first verse?
In Christ alone, my hope is found
https://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/in-christ-alone/
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all-in-all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
He posted his recording of the song, a great rendition, and said in conclusion on his blog: “As I’m so often reminded what a priceless gift my life is, I ache with everything in me to make it count, so that when I finally cross the finish line, I’ll hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” To me, there is no greater reward.”
Adam Young is a great example of someone who counted his blessings and he gave credit to Lord, as we have been studying in this series of posts on Acts 12, which you can read starting here.
I write this after 60 days in quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic of 2020! Some days it is easy for me to choose gratefulness, some days it is harder. Some days I can see the silver lining in the midst of this time easier than others. I love that there is hardly any traffic, and a tank of gas in my car lasts a whole month. I really struggle, though, with the loss of life, the shutdown and the isolation and the economic hardships.
But the days and times that I choose thankfulness, that I choose to see God and his goodness in the midst of troubles, are better days. The circumstances don’t necessarily change, but joy in the midst of them comes quicker. When I can thank God for them, when I can pause to see the good in the midst of it, and to honor God and thank him for that good, my heart is in a much better spot.
I encourage you to look for ways to see God’s goodness and to thank him for it. He is good and he gives good gifts, even in the middle of a quarantine.
Let's Talk About Sunday 