Gratefulness Challenge, Day 11:

Today, I am thankful for the ones who work tirelessly to keep us safe. We often go about our day not thinking about law enforcement, soldiers, and others on the front lines keeping us safe. My brother served as a Marine in Desert Storm; my father served as a chaplain to law enforcement. Having family in those positions brings the sacrifice home.

What are you thankful for?

As I think about the ones who sacrifice so much to keep us safe physically, I think about the ones who do spiritual battle daily in prayer. They are also warriors in a different way. God has brought several people into my life who have battled on their knees for me or shown me their faith by living the Christian life well despite great suffering in their life.

I am thankful that God gives us examples to follow as we journey through suffering. Some days are simply hard. Pain and weakness creep in; weary overtakes. We long for answers to prayer that we have not yet seen. How do we respond?

Nick Vujicic was born without limbs and fought depression. Yet, he came to the place that he saw all of this as a blessing. I saw this video clip yesterday and had to share. Some of the quotes from it that struck me are:

1. “When you don’t get a miracle, you can still be one.”
2. “The whole point on this side of Heaven is not to have the life that you want; it’s to have the life that God wants.”
3. “The epiphany this side of Heaven is to bring the greatest delight to our Father.”
4. “Pray for something great… But Lord not my will, Your will. And grace be sufficient.”
5. “Arms and legs for 90 years or that one hug in Heaven of someone leaping for joy…”

Wow… what perspective!