Gifts

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” Thomas Paine penned these words during the American Revolution, but they could very well have been written about my current state of affairs—and perhaps yours as well.

If I allow myself much time to ponder all that’s painful, missing, unjust, or frightening in my life right now, then the heaviness of sorrow and anxiety threaten to crush me. My chest tightens so much that sometimes it seems too difficult to breathe. But it really helps when tell myself, It’s in God’s hands, and I focus on the gifts that He’s given me that day, whether it’s blooming roses, a Labrador service dog nuzzling my hand, encouraging people, beautiful wildflowers, or a hike in the mountains. These gifts and more were mine this weekend! What were yours?

“I’m hurt and in pain; give me space for healing, and mountain air.” –PSALM 69:29 (MSG)