Give Thanks

Give thanks.  I want to have an attitude of gratitude.  I want to live my life on the lookout for what's good and pure and lovely.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

There's plenty in life that can get me down.

• I see people hurting  
• I see injustice  
• There are wars and rumors of war
• There have been drastic changes in my lifestyle

Early this morning, I went hiking in the mountains.  I was prepared with my backpack containing my camera and plenty of water.  My plan was to go back into my old neighborhood and hike up 'my mountain'.  This mountain was located behind my house and I used to almost jog up and down it every day.  I prayed many a prayer while hiking that mountain.  I'd get to the top and look out at the city of Phoenix.  I would spot special places including my church.

I've been reading in my Bible about making a point of remembering what God has done in my life.  I thought if only I could just hike back up 'my mountain', I could look out and thank Him for many answers to prayer.

It's a gated community but I knew where there was a space I could easily walk through.  However, I hadn't realized that since I moved they installed cameras. As I approached the gate a faint buzzer began sounding. I decided it wasn't worth attempting to go in only to be embarrassed by security exiting me out.  So I hiked adjacent to the gated community.

It was early as the sun hadn't risen in the sky.  I wanted to get exercise (which I did) but I also had another agenda.  I wanted to remember how far the Lord has brought me over the last four years.  I found a large rock and sat down enjoying my view of the city of Phoenix as the sun was rising.

I prayed and thanked God for always being with me and providing me with His strength.  Yes, there have been many changes in my life.  Changes that I would not have chosen.  Changes that I didn't anticipate.

If my life had continued the way it had, I may have lived in a very comfortable and beautiful  environment. I may have had lots of money to travel and buy whatever I liked.  I would have been able to visit family more often.  I would have been able to not work full time and continue with my volunteer work.

But then the Lord showed me how far I've come.

If nothing had changed:

•  I would never have met many of the people I now get to work with and call ...friends.
• I would not have the pleasure of being greeted each morning by the sounds of little children calling "Hi Miss Debbie".  
• I would not have grown closer to my husband.
• I would not have realized how loosely we are to hold on to things of this world.

And so I ...give thanks.

#924 Good health
#925 Strong legs to hike
#926 Beautiful views of Phoenix as I hiked in the desert
#927 Lots of water to drink
#928 Good friends
#929 Lots of children to love
#930 A cute condo to live in
#931 The best next door neighbor
#932 A close relationship with my husband Greg
#933 Learning to depend on the Lord
#934 So thankful for the strength He provides for me each day

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.



I'm also linking up with Joan of The Beauty in His Grip for Sharing His Beauty.


Blessings and love,