Dear God,
WOW- there are no words to describe You.Thank you for the life you’ve shown me- the walk with you is effortless and difficult, with hills and valleys- but you remain faithful. Once giving my life to you, is when I found joy- pure, real joy, the type that keeps you afloat in the worst of times, and thankful and humble during the good. You’ve rained blessings on me, and around me through the people you’ve put in my life- living proof that you are real in those who love you.
Life before You was empty. Don’t get me wrong- from the outside, it could be said that I had it all. Drove a nice car, had the perfect boyfriend, lots of friends, exotic vacations, perfect looks, perfect grades… perfect, perfect, perfect, I believed. However, as I kept accumulating these things, I wasn’t joyful- I wasn’t satisfied. I continued to live my life with the same emptiness, wondering why when I bought more stuff I didn’t feel real happiness- or when I was on vacation, I didn’t feel relaxed or in bliss. One day, it came to me. You knew I needed a reality check- calling me to you, you placed people in my life that inspired me to search for the pure joy that’s only found in You- so this is my thank you. Thank You for daring me to be bold- to be not only a believer but a follower of You. I’ve become a better person because of it, and am living the full life you promise to all.
I read a story once, about footprints in the sand. It's about a person walking along the beach, scenes of his life flashing before him, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonged to him, and one to the Lord. He noticed during the lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of prints. He wondered, when he decided to follow the Lord, why he would leave him when he needed him then more than ever- that he would walk with him all the way. God responded, “Child, I love you, and I will never leave you- never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” Thank you, for not leaving me- bad times and good, reminding me to rejoice in you during the good, and remain faithful during the bad.
Thank you for putting “those,” people in my life. The ones who encourage my faith and you shine through them- their joy, their peacefulness, and humbleness. They truly radiate the idea that we are loved by you- knowing the numbers of hairs on our heads to our insecurities, our sins- you love us and offer an eternal life greater than the life on earth you created. These people radiate this love- they strive to be more like Jesus, accepting, loving, inclusive- they encompass the qualities you embody that make life in you worth living.
Through you, I’ve learned what it means to love and to be loved. I’ve changed my actions, my words, and my intentions. I’ve broken bad habits, changed my lifestyle and thoughts, and started out every choice with, “what would Jesus do.” You’ve given me guidance through prayer and people, joy through the purpose you’ve made for me- my insecurities, my sins, my dark thoughts- you’ve taken on the burden and given me freedom and life within you.
Love,
Your child
