Blessed

I suppose if I had to sum up the past year in one word, it would be that one, blessed.  Not because it was a stellar year full of hopes and dreams fulfilled with financial and worldly successes, but because it wasn't and yet in spite of all the turmoil we were truly blessed beyond measure in each and every day.  Blessed by a neighbor, a friend, a relative, a stranger, someone who wasn't afraid to reach out and lend a helping hand when needed, despite not being asked.  And looking back and even in the midst of it all I can and did see God's provision for us and I am truly humbled by it all.

Thanks.

I could list all our troubles and woes and our continued frustration with the situation at hand, but I'm not going to.  We all have our troubles and in the moment we all think that it couldn't get any worse for us.  But the truth is, it could and only when we compare our troubles to others can we see how really insignificant they are in the big picture, we aren't faced with starvation or in danger of human trafficking or sitting under the cloud of political oppression.  I don't mean to make light of anyones woes, I only want to encourage a new perspective, one seen through the lens of hope and grace.  Embrace the ordinary work of today, working for the reward of a smile, a kind word, a heartfelt thank you, it is in those things we find the extraordinary blessings of grace and forgiveness.

My goal this year if I had to make one would be this, to pay it forward, wholeheartedly.

I'm going to support my local church, the boring christians.

I'm going to cheer for the runners.

And I'm going to feed the hungry.

Won't you join me?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To ACT justly and to LOVE mercy

and to WALK humbly with your God

Micah 6:8