TWENTY-SIX AND GRATEFUL
All my words fall short
I got nothing new
How could I express
All my gratitude?I could sing these songs
As I often do
But every song must end
And You never doSo I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
’Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
HallelujahAnd I know it’s not much
But I’ve nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
HallelujahGRATITUDE — Brandon Lake
As I celebrate what God has brought out of me. and me out of, I am beyond grateful for the journey, for everything I have been, everything I am and everything I am yet to become. Here is a letter to self.
Dear Ivan,
Only yesterday, you were dreaming of the future. You were young, enthusiastic and very anxious about what the future holds. Behold, the future you highly anticipated has presented itself and you have embraced it fully. There have been times when things were harder than you expected, when your plans never came to pass and those times could have been more than expected, but you have remained strong, you have weathered through and you have stayed the course. There were moments you broke down, but you got back up stronger, more focused and determined to pick up the pieces and do it all over again.
The 25th has been particularly tougher, but it was only a pruning process — A season meant to refine you and bring the best out of you.
By God’s grace, you didn’t have to walk that journey alone. I am grateful for all the things you found strength in; the unending love and mercy of God, the ever present family members, the friendships and everything that those brought with them — the moments of laughter and the candid sobering conversations. I am glad you didn’t have to go and grow through it alone. Hopefully you will be presented with a chance (many chances) to pay it forward.
Ebenezer, Thus far the Lord has helped us. — 1 Samuel 7:12 NIV
The 26th is here. Yet another year of God’s goodness and will, self discovery, good health, harnessing of relationships and pursuit of dreams and purpose. May these be the priorities in your life as you start this new year.
Just like the journey behind, may the journey ahead be one of great service, living according to purpose, learning, growth and thriving. Where trials come, may the same grace that sustained you to date, abound even more. May you find the courage to go for the dreams that seem far off and unachievable, may you know when to hold on and when to let go. May your friendships get stronger, your conversations get deeper and your mindset get broader. May you be intentional about the things that matter. And in all this, may the ultimate goal be to glorify the Almighty God.
The future is not ready for you, but I know you are ready for the future. Keep the faith, stay the course and trust that he who has brought you this far, will be with you every step of the way to the very end.
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 NIV
Happy Birthday, May the 26th be Kind.
