i am grateful

for the coincidences that, when combined, paint a picture of a miracle
for friends and their laughter
for a hand on the shoulder that says 'you are not alone'
for the courage that God gives his children at opportune moments
for a God who is unafraid of our doubts, fears and insecurities
for the road-trip journal (and all the memories it represents) that contains this quote:

'when fear creeps in,
i will turn to you
and someday there will only be courage.'
-author unknown

for a day full of opportunities to learn...
...opportunities to embrace community
...opportunities to care
...opportunities to give and receive forgiveness
...opportunities to rest and play and pray and smile and think and work
for a life marked by mind-boggling and heart-capturing mercy

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory...
...forever and ever.  Amen.

i am grateful