For Salvation. . .

I am looking at lent as a season of gratitude. To be honest I tend to be a person who always sees the glass half empty. That's why Gil helps balance me out since he's the opposite. Yet as I look around me and the world with all it's issues and problems I realize that despite all the things I am struggling with I have so much to be thankful for. As I entered into this lent season I found myself praying and asking God what He wanted me to give up and I couldn't get anything. Then I realized it wasn't about what He wanted me to give up, but how He wanted me to change and to grow. I realized that He was calling me to observe a period of gratefulness, to change my focus. So here goes. What I am foremost thankful for is my Salvation. It sounds trite, like I have to say that, but really where would I be without it, but the blessing goes beyond that. I was blessed with parents who believed and because of their profound belief and willingness to sacrifice all for Him I was introduced to Him. I was introduced to Him at a very young age and as a result He has been there for me through a lot of really horrible things. If I hadn't known Jesus I know I would not have survived what I survived. Had I not known Jesus I wouldn't be thriving now despite everything. I see the wounded around me and have deep compassion for them and where they have ended up and I know that they haven't been introduced to Jesus and so they haven't been able to receive the healing I have. My heart breaks for them and I pray daily that they will be introduced to the one who gets it, who has felt it and who can heal it. I accepted Him into my heart at five. I remember not the words I said, but the questions I asked and my Dad leading me through accepting Him. I know that because of His love for me, because HE sent his son, I have been able to overcome. I know without Him, I would not be married, would not be a mom, but would be an addict and in deep pain. I know I would still be broken. So today I am grateful, grateful that He came to save me, grateful that He gave me parents who brought Him into my life at such a young age, and grateful that He in His great love continues to reach out to me and bring more and more healing into my life.