The Roots of Gratitude

Pondering the future always leads me down a (off-the-beaten-path) look at our past. In 2005 Chris and I thought we'd found the place God wanted us to grow old, make a family, and retire. You know, a home, some roots. We fell in love with everything about this little town God brought us to. Little did we know that our dreams would change and our path was taking a huge dive into the wild blue yonder. But, as God is so faithful, He always fulfills his promises "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28 We ended up meeting this fabulous couple who in turn introduced us to their parents who had-once upon a time-taught overseas in Bangkok, Thailand. Ok, you see where this is going? Great! I could go on and on about the rest of this story, but most of you know it anyway. The point is, that GOD HAD A PLAN! I am so glad we followed it instead of our own. I am so filled with gratitude that He has blessed us with so many gifts, ones we even take for granted. Had we been able to conceive, we would not have been blessed with our first foster child, Elizabeth. If we had stayed in that town, we would not have moved to metro Atlanta where we adopted Hailley and Elijah. We wouldn't have moved to the church where Chris and I became Christians and wouldn't have been led to finally move to Bangkok, Thailand. I guess I could go on and on with the ways that OUR plans and dreams feel so important to us that we forget how GOD'S plans are so much more: bigger, better, awesome. I look back and realize now, as I grow closer to Christ each day, to trust in His will for our lives. His plans, His blessings, His divine timing is the only way. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. We have loved living here in Thailand. We have had so many adventures, and many more to come for sure. I just say that all the glory is to be given to God, who loves me, who has reigned down His blessings from Heaven on our family and is gracious and merciful enough to call me daughter.