Counting Blessings And Being Free

Grandfather Francis knew nothing in life was free, especially not after serving America in World War II as a cryptology specialist. For everything he had, he had much gratitude:

Dear FATHER IN HEAVEN, we come to thee in love and praise for all the blessings we enjoy; for the food we have to eat, for the water we drink, the clothes we wear and the fresh air we breathe. We thank THEE for our home, our loved ones, and that we live in a land and an age when we can worship THEE openly. O FATHER, help us to become more worth of THY watchful care and love. These things we ask in YOUR NAME.

I've talked before about Grandpa's service in WWII, how little I know for how much he helped accomplish. And all of us, at one time or another, are going to look over all we've done so far and wonder whether we've done enough or done it differently.

I know now that if I would've done things differently, I probably would've passed up journalism and gone for a history degree -- but not to teach. I would've equipped myself better to do the living history that I do now. I told that recently to my friend Madame Sherri, to which she replied, "But you're doing that now!"

True. She couldn't understand why I would want to back up and re-do parts of my life, had I had the chance. She thinks I'm incredibly blessed for where I am now.

Hebrews 10:32-36 (NIV) tells us: "Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of GOD, you will receive what he has promised."

James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

So hang in there, count your blessings, and keep going. GOD has given you what you need.