I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me...

But I received mercy... 

...and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:12-14 CSB

Paul expands on his greeting of grace mercy and peace with his own personal experience, from his particular circumstances, and from that is a grateful heart. 

His circumstances, culture, the world in which he lived is different to mine, different to yours. But just like Paul we can choose to see where we have received God's mercy, where his grace has overflowed in our lives, and to be grateful. 

It may have been a word, a smile, a txt, a hug, a moment where someone connected with us in a difficult time, God speaking from his word, from the Spirit within, a moment of understanding that we are dearly loved children of the Living God. 

I think those are glimpses of heaven.

In the meantime by writing how grateful he is, Paul encourages us to write our gratitude journal this year, and to let that overflow of love and grace spill out into the places and people around us. 

Maybe that's what real NY resolutions should be...

#2022

#timothy

#overflowofgraceandlove