THANK YOU!

The past few weeks have ushered in significant changes. I find myself facing a home on a different continent, the pursuit of different vocational opportunities, the dawning of a new and different year and the beginning of a different chapter in life along with all the hurdles and joys that it may bring. Most of these changes have occurred contrary to my hopes and preferences, but they stare me in the face, real as can be, just the same. Finding things to whine and complain about is no difficult task. I've been perfecting that skill for some time now unfortunately...though learning to discard it is thankfully not impossible.

Rather than stick to the form that comes naturally though, I'll aim to embrace a different tack. In the midst of all these changes and fluctuations in circumstances, one thing has remained constant. I'd like to take this brief moment to acknowledge the goodness and faithfulness of God that continues to be the foundation and bedrock in my life that is unshaken by the unpredictable winds of change. I'd like to acknowledge his constant love and kindness which are never far from me...never beyond my reach. I'd like to express my gratitude to him for the precious gift of life, and for his dealings with me that continue to be infinitely better than I could ever deserve. I'd like to lay at his feet this new year that lies at mine, and commit to him every dream, hope and aspiration that my heart might find itself drawn to. I'd like to honor him with the surrender of my free will, which will never find me free unless freely submitted to his will. I'd like to thank him, simply and humbly, for everything he is and does.

IN THIS MOMENT...

Dear heavenly Father,

It's true to say that I spend most of my life with my eyes blinded, and my mind oblivious to the goodness and kindness you pour out over me. How quickly and easily I allow myself to be distracted. How fickle so often is my devotion to you. I cannot begin to number how often my choices must have grieved your heart. All those times when you would spread out a banquet before me, and I chose instead to grovel in a pig-pen. All those times your outstretched arms awaited my embrace, when I clung to harlots instead. So many times my judgment has been clouded, distorted and tainted.

Yet this moment...even if only for a moment, and even if only so dimly, I recognize You. I acknowledge You. I confess that no-one has ever loved me like You. Through fire, storm, joy and calm, it's Your love alone that has been constant. When I have been faithless, Your love has remained faithful. You have believed in me, cheered for me, dreamed with me...You alone have been my solid rock. You are my unshakable fortress. You are the foundation on which my feet stand firm. You have run out to me, called me your own, canceled my shame and lifted my blame. Your mercy is astounding. Your patience is wonderful. Your compassion is immeasurable. Your kindness is unceasing. Your love is complete. My heart lifts it's praise to You, for You have made me glad. You wipe my tears. Even your discipline is gracious. Let all the earth declare your glory. Let cosmic wonders sing of your beauty...galaxies breathtakingly stretched out in honor to You. Let every creature that draws breath ascribe worship to Your name. In this moment, my soul crowns you as King. Thanks be to You, God of all. Grateful are my thoughts toward You.

In this moment, my judgment is sound and my thinking, clear. My devotion is yours...in this moment.