Many people reflect on the past year as a new year approaches. I’ve found myself reflecting quite a bit while I’ve ridden the past few weeks as Thanksgiving here in the U.S. approaches. I’ve been thinking about so many things that have occurred this past year. Now that it’s rained the past several days and I haven’t been able to ride, I’m finding time to put those thoughts here.
I have witnessed friends and family go through some tough situations and come out with a stronger faith than they started with. I am so proud of each and every one of them and thankful to have witnessed and been even a small part of each one. We never know how strong we truly are until we are faced with what seem like impossible challenges. Some challenges can be the same ones we have faced previously and failed, yet finally conquer the next time.
I’ve been blessed with another beautiful granddaughter and I am thankful I was able to introduce her big sister to her within minutes of her birth. Seeing them together these past almost 5 months is priceless and I pray they are always this close. You can see absolute love in their eyes when they look at each other.
We’ve survived 2 hurricanes and some other “storms ” this year and God never failed to keep us safe or provide what we have needed. I recently heard a sermon about dealing with being frustrated and the pastor made a comment that happiness is not determined by our circumstances, but by the condition of our heart. That really spoke to me and is so true. An example I thought about is that I’m happy when I ride. Things that would frustrate me if they happened when I’m in my car, don’t have the same effect on me when I’m on my bike. That’s due to the condition of my heart when it occurs. We have the power to decide if we are going to allow people or things to frustrate us, based on what’s in our heart.
I’ve heard and seen things that are happening in the world that make absolutely no sense to me. This is more evidence of the pastor’s comment I just mentioned. The condition of our hearts is key. We need Jesus in our heart if we are going to survive and be happy. Nothing in this world can fill that place and as long as there is hatred and evil in the hearts of others, this world will not be at peace.
As I look at those who appear to “have everything,” most are not happy. I’m thankful that I have the basics I need and family. I’m thankful that I have a job that is meaningful and people who love me. I’m thankful for the amount of time I’ve been able to spend with my hubby this past year with him not being on 2nd shift and for our recent weekend get away. I’m thankful for my boys that live close by and I get to see regularly along with my daughter in law and granddaughters and my oldest son’s girlfriend. I’m thankful my mom and my mom and dad in law are all still here with us. I’m thankful that I am able to ride and have time alone doing something I love that allows me to reflect like this, away from the everyday routines and demands of life.
Most of all I’m thankful to have a God that loves me unconditionally and sent His son to die for me so I can have eternal life with Him. I cannot imagine going through life without Him.
If you have never seen the short video by Dr. S.M. Lockridge entitled “That’s my King” check it out on YouTube. I could print the words here but it’s much more meaningful if you hear him say it.
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Psalm 118:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker 