Evan And Rachel got me thinking on something the Lord has been teaching me in recent years. Evan mentioned how some of us have traded Christian hedonism for straight hedonism.

For me, what keeps me a Christian hedonist, and not just a hedonist, is giving thanks.

More and more the Spirit calls me to slow down, and give thanks.

Did I enjoy a walk on the beach? Give thanks.

Did I get to have a great cup of coffee? Give thanks.

Do I enjoy beautiful clothing? Give thanks.

And not just general thanks. Specific, slow thanks.

Lord thank you for this coffee, for the people who planted, and harvested the coffee beans. For the men and women who packaged, shipped, and sold it.

Thank you for the people who grew the coconuts, and the almonds that make my non-dairy coffee creamer.

Thank you for the people, Lord, who labored so that I get to enjoy the pleasure of this good coffee.

The more the Spirit leads me to slow down, and give thanks, the more my heart is turned towards praying for my fellow man, that they would be blessed and know the gift of Christ.

And the more I do that, the more free I am both to enjoy the good gifts, and to give them up for the good of my soul or the soul of another.