The Dreamer: "Thank God for it."

                                    A chocolate chip cookie

Hi everyone. Some years ago the Lord spoke to me in a dream that I found quite humorous, yet at the same time very stirring. 

In my dream I was standing in a large field all by myself. I remember the day was beautiful, the grass very green and the sky so blue. As I stood enjoying the beauty of the creation around me, I realized I was holding in one hand a chocolate chip cookie. This is strange. I am standing in a field, all by myself, holding a chocolate chip cookie. 

Suddenly I sensed someone next to me. I turned and saw standing beside me was a woman that I have great admiration for. I asked her, "What does God want me to do with this chocolate chip cookie?"

She smiled at me and said, "Give him thanks for it."

What? "Give him thanks for it?" 

Nodding, "Yes."

Okay. Here it goes. I closed my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I began to sing to the Lord, "Oh God, thank your for my cookie. My chocolate chip cookie. Dear God, I thank you for it."

After a moment of singing a song of thanks for my tasty treat, I heard a few other voices join into my song. Keeping my eyes closed, I continued to sing. For something so simple as a chocolate chip cookie, I felt the gratefulness begin to swell in my heart. I began to sing louder.

Suddenly I heard more voices join in. As I continued to sing, it wasn't long until I heard a multitude of voices singing along with me. 

I couldn't keep my eyes closed any longer. The wander of it all overtook me. I opened my eyes and suddenly saw the field covered with people. I was surrounded by a sea of people singing my song with me. And they were not just singing! They had their hands raised in heartfelt worship, the tears pouring down their faces as they gave thanks to God. 

In wander, I asked the Lord, "God, what is this all about? What does this mean?"

It was then the Lord spoke so tenderly to my heart, "Tim, if you will just walk before me with a grateful heart, you can't even begin to imagine all the lives you are going to touch. If you will just keep a thankful heart, your life will impact so many people." 

Though that dream was given to me many years ago, it's as fresh as if it occurred this morning.        

Beginning with the cross, God has been so unbelievably good to me. I think the one prayer that lives in my heart more than any other is simply, "Oh God! Help me to be grateful! I know life has its difficulties, but your goodness so outweighs it all. In whatever season I am in, help me to be thankful."