Thankful Thursday

yesterday I celebrated my anniversary

37 years of marriage to the love of my life

I'm thankful for each of those years

thankful God has directed our path, showing us the steps to take, and sometimes carrying us when we couldn't walk on our own

I'm thankful for the joys and the sorrows we have experienced over these many years

thankful God has been faithful in guarding our relationship

I know it's only by His grace that we have enjoyed the closeness and depth of relationship we share

I'm thankful God challenged me many years ago to begin each day praying with and for my wife

it has provided solid footing for us throughout our journey

God is the glue that has bonded us together

I'm so grateful He knows us and hears us

I remember standing before Chris those many years ago, telling her that I would love her as Christ loves the church

I certainly haven't done that perfectly over the years

but I am thankful God has helped me in doing that, and thankful He forgives my shortcomings

I remember singing the song, "I Could Never Promise You" in our wedding ceremony

acknowledging my utter dependence on God in starting the new role as a husband

and as the years have passed, I just become more and more convinced of my need for Him

I'm thankful for Chris' patience with me

thankful for her devotion to God first of all, but also to me

I'm thankful for her support and encouraging words

she is my perfect gift from God

I'm thankful for my job

I'm also very thankful most days aren't like today was

it was just one of those days!

my brother in law sent the verse, 

"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have overcome the world." 

in a family group text this morning

it was fitting for the day I had

trouble!

but I'm thankful God continued to guide me and give me strength even while experiencing trouble

I'm thankful God is the source of wisdom

thankful He is the giver and sustainer of life

I'm grateful for His presence with me each day

although I've been doing this kind of work most of my life--40+ years

I still find myself seeking His insight when I'm facing a challenging situation

I'm thankful for God's invitation to ask for wisdom when we find it lacking

thankful too for His assurance that He doesn't look on us with reproach when we acknowledge that lack

God is my refuge

He is my strength and my song

so grateful!