Thanksgiving

I am sitting here in the early morning hours on one of my favorite holidays just watching in awe as the sun rises welcoming in a new day.  Jet lag is the cause for this early morning treat, but I can't help but think of the last sunrise I saw and how I was awake at this hour for a much different reason.  What different worlds.  Before leaving for Togo I had a huge burden of anxiety sitting on my shoulders.  Anxiety of the unknown, anxiety that I would be presented with things I wouldn't know what to do with, anxiety of desperately wanting to help, but feeling utterly helpless.  As I spent some time praying this morning and just reflecting with the Lord about my last month I could do nothing, but praise Him for His incredible provision.  My anxious thoughts were all for nothing.  I was faced with some huge, challenging and at times heart breaking situations and decisions, but never once did I feel alone. Of course right?  I should have known better.  The Bible is full of promises to the contrary.  I have so much to be thankful for. 

I was listening to this song by Matt Redman this morning and it just seemed so appropriate.

"Never Once"

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

This Thanksgiving comes on the heels of a journey that took me to the other side of the world.  Many of those I worked with have never seen a television, felt the refreshing coolness of airconditioning or even slept on anything other than the hard packed dirt that serves as the floor to their homes.  It is not the wealth and luxaries of the United States that have captured the attention of my thankfulness though, but the unending promises, greatness and faithfulness of the God I serve. 



"...but those who hope in the Lord with renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31