Well, tommmorow is Thanksgiving and I figured that I'd try to write down all of the things I have to be thankful for this year. This might help me from complaining about the things that I don't have and see just how many ways the Lord has been working. First, je suis en bonne forme! Thankfully, I haven't had any serious physical ailments this year. God's given my body and mind the strength to work hard physically and academically. Sure I've been fatigued and overwhelmed at times but He's helped me keep going. Second, He's given me a family that seeks His direction in our lives. My parents have been very supportive in all the places I've gone and new environments I've tried in the past few years. Other times they've given me wise advice to keep away from things that might have otherwise harmed me. My brother and sister are an encouragment as well and we're able to keep each other in prayer throughout all of the different obstacles we face. Third, He's given me a place to live and food to eat. I've had a roof over my head everywhere I've slept this year, from a dusty cabin bunk bed to the floor and couch in my dorm room and my oversized bed at home that could probably hold three of my 5'6", 140 pd. frames. I've always had plenty to eat and drink and, more than that, healthy food and drink to keep my energy and stamina up. Fourth, I've been given independence and adventure. God has provided me with many opportunities to go different places and meet different people these last few years. I've had to mature a lot, but still have a long way to go, in learning how to deal with stress and dissapointment. I've been with my family and away from my family, and both instances have been an encouragement. The Lord has given me moments of downtime to spend with Him in order to regroup and refocus. I've gotten to travel, via work and school, to the East and West Coasts and the South before returning home to the Midwest. I even got to run a half-marathon earlier this year, something I had really been looking forward to! I'd encourage you, no matter what your circumstances might be this night before Thanksgiving, to thank the Lord for all of His provision. This is my fourth Thanksgiving away from my family but I now without a doubt that there are people in far, far worst circumstances. Those that have lost their jobs, those that have lost their friends and relatives, those that have terminal illnesses and little hope for living much longer. But wherever you're at in life, remember that the Lord allows everything to happen for His purposes. Trust in Him and never allow your heart to grow bitter, that's a dark and lonely road to travel. He cares for us, look to Him for guidance and direction. May you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving!
In Christ, Josh Gilbert
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment