Gratefulness

I was thinking more about our San Antonio trip as I wrote a letter to Daddy’s brother about how our visit with him affected me and what a blessing he is and an example of  God’s ability to provide an abundant life and joy and freedom in any circumstance. It’s true that those things are gifts from God and he can dole them out, even in prison.  They actually cannot come from circumstances.  You can have none of these things while living in the most luxurious way, or all of these things living in the harshest way.  They are all gifts we cannot earn.

I wrote in this post http://wp.me/p5xc6o-38 that though lots of things went wrong on our trip, like delays and car accidents and no water, it was a wonderful trip. I can’t help but think, though it never crossed my mind at the time, that our attitudes were surely affected by seeing his brother’s disregard for his own circumstances. If he can be joyful in his work in a prison and life in a non-airconditioned dorm, can’t we be joyful while waiting in a lovely cool hotel lobby for a room. Thankfulness is key to so much in life; it is how we praise and worship and find strength and joy. As I return to work in my amazing office with my understanding boss, I will rejoice for the abundance God has given me and even more for the lessons he has taught me these last days and even more more from his presence. These three months have been life changing and this past week has been even more so. God is so good to us. He teaches us about his goodness and draws us to himself.  I wish I could remember word for word the quote that was shared at church today, but the paraphrase was once you know the depth of God’s love you joy becomes God himself and not just his provisions. I am so blessed.