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Blessings

Well, it has been way too long since I have penned my thoughts; not that I have not had that many, but rather that there have been more things happening then time available. So, as we wind down through the end of our first year here at Grace, some thoughts to share from a rollercoaster year.

1. Humans, by nature, make mistakes. We sin. We fall short of the glory of God. But, we also have an amazing capacity for love and forgiveness. Do both, often. And, when necessary, ask for forgiveness. Do not let the sun go down on your anger.

2. Kids are kids. Regardless of what they do, choices they make, or words they say, in the end, love on them and accept them for the amazing creation they are in God.

3. See everyone as a blessing. One of the hardest things we heard when we arrived is the mentality some have for a lack of willingness to engage others and get to know them if they are only “short timers”. Some of the most impactful people in my life have been those I knew for a few months or couple of years. Yes, saying good-bye is tough, but weighed against the thought of never having known them?? I am a better person because of everyone I have met and come to know, regardless of the time frame.

4. At the end of the day, the job is only that. It is so easy to equate our identity with our occupation, but that is a lie, plain and simple. Our job is what we do, a means to use the God-given abilities we have to perform a task assigned to us by our Creator. Who we are, though, is based on our character, and is made manifest in the interactions we have with those around us. Whether it is spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental, these interactions will, in the end, define us.

5. Re-commit yourself daily to the Lord and His purposes in our lives. Here in Thailand, we have a heightened awareness of how different we are, and the challenges we face in the day to day operations within our new environment. We cannot expect to survive long in any circumstance without the love, direction, and strength God has offered and promised – all we have to do is ask.

6. Be a blessing. Everything that happens does so for a reason. Even those things that seem horrible and negative have a purpose. Our time here in this life is short; allow it to be an opportunity to pour into those we know, to seek every opportunity to be a blessing to others. Even if it is for a short time, only God knows the eternal harvest that can be reaped.

As we push through the last month of school, may these words be those that lead, guide, and direct our family, and yours. Jesus loves you so much, he died just for you. Make the most of it, my friend.

One Response to “Blessings”

  1. Terry says:

    You my dear are a blessing! God bless~

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