Grateful

We have come to the end of this path of Grateful on our journey together.

Once more, our trailway opens to the familiar large circle area, where the warm, roaring fire greets us as we embrace joyfully.  

The air is crisp, and though our hearts are warm after our journey, we gladly gather close to allow the fire to soothe and comfort us.

As we assemble, the quiet of the cool air envelopes us, and there is just one word that can describe how we feel - peace.

All the wrestling and worrying have faded as we focused on being thankful for everything we experienced on this journey - the good and the bad.

The difficulties drew us closer to God and strengthened our endurance and ability to serve others.

Changing our perspective of our experiences allows us to see the bigger picture and be grateful to God for them all.

We are reminded again of what God can do if we let him.

We take out our paper and write down what we have taken for granted or lost appreciation for.  

Tears fall as we see the messages of blessings we nearly missed.

We feel a twinge of guilt and sadness as we know much of our time has been spent wishing for more or something different rather than being grateful for all we have.

We toss that paper into the fire and gladly pull out another as we write with fury about all we are grateful for.

We are so thankful for this opportunity to continue on our journey with a renewed thankfulness and appreciation for this life God has given us.

We have come so far and overcome with gratitude for all God has done for us on our journey together.

What more could we possibly ask for?

Just then, another path opens, and we look at each with excited expectation.

With thankful hearts and open minds, we follow where God leads us.

Here we go!

Psalm 136:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

James 1: 2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.