No Substitute

There is no substitute for these amazing world changers surrounding me.

My investment in them is immeasurable.

We have laughed until we can't breathe at inside jokes.

We have cried as loss, casually and indiscriminately, takes someone from our lives.

We have hurled words of anger in the heat of the moment, out loud, or under our breath.

We have taken back those same words in repentant realization that we didn't mean it, that nothing is worth hurting those you are closest to.

We have watched in wonder as one of us grows closer to Jesus through sacrifice and prayer.

No one can replace the fiercely loyal and joyously abandoned love we have for each other.

We have traversed miles upon miles over mountains, deserts, snowy plains, and beaches....

Around the globe, hearing various languages, seeing different nationalities.

We have worshiped with brothers and sisters we didn't know we had, until we met...with only Christ as our common denominator.

I'm so very thankful to begin yet another year with my family at my side.

And I'm on their side.

As we are on the Lord's side.

Doing life together.

Until God calls us Home.

THANKFUL

I am thankful.

Not for circumstances, but for the One Who has given me reason to be thankful. Because He has given me joy. Not happiness. Happiness is dependent upon circumstances. Joy is unchanging, from within.

Now, when I say "within", I'm not talking about the humanistic, self-realization, man is his own god kind of within.

Without Jesus, you can't have joy. He gives you the very reason for living, for getting up in the morning, serving your family, loving on those unlovable, and being moved to act on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves.

If I was simply moved by my emotions, then my happiness would depend upon if everything in my life was in order. My life should revolve around the strength of my life, Jesus.

That's what I'm striving for. And I'm so very thankful He's with me every step of the way.