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Woods and Deserts

 A dear friend of mine in Houston posted a photo of her daughter and friend walking either to or from school. At least that is what I assumed. It was a great picture of friendship shared between these two young teens. I recognized the path in the Woodlands. I’ve always loved the woods and that’s one of the many reasons why I loved living there. The massive trees, smell of bark, the rustling sound of fallen leaves and the warmth of the sun peeking through those shade covering trees. Nature is one of my favorite places to connect with God. I had many conversations with Him running on those paths. 





I messaged my friend, “Ah. I miss those paths.” And she quickly replied with, “The paths miss you.” Haha. I think what she really meant was….. I am missed and it made my heart smile. I miss a lot about various places we have lived over the years. I am often asked, “Of all the places you have lived, where is your favorite?” My response is usually, “I have favorite things about each one for different reasons. We made some great and not so great memories in each one of those homes. But each served a purpose in my journey. For that, I am thankful.” 


Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for where God has us now and this is my favorite by far. In fact, I thank Him every day that He would be so gracious to bring us back to Phoenix to live close to our family again! I pinch myself that I get to do this life. That I get to drive and pick up my grandkids for the day. Or jump in the car on a moments notice to meet up with my daughter to help pick out a Thanksgiving Day outfit or grab a cup of coffee.  I get to visit with our son while the kids play in the sandbox that Papa built for them. And we get to host our family around the table for many events including Thanksgiving this year. What a treat! Simple things, if I’m not careful, I will take for granted. 


As I was running yesterday with Jim the sun was up just enough to cast a shine onto the desert landscape along the path in our neighborhood. The mornings have been cool and crisp and I love it! I still have conversations with God on these paths. We don’t have big woodsy trees or fallen leaves that crunch under foot. Instead, we have blooming cactus, direct sunlight and an occasional lizard that scurries across before me. It’s beautiful none the less. It hit me once again…. My journey with God is constant. The path I am on and the destination has not changed nor will it. He has just blessed me with many views and amazing people along the way. 






I’m grateful and I pray I never take any of it for granted. 

Whatever your view looks like today, may your Thanksgiving be full of the many blessings God has to offer. 


Pressing On


“Give thanks to the Lord of Lords. His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalms 136:3 CSB




“give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB



 


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