Issue 1388 – Gratitude – March 6, 2024
Yesterday, Kathy and I strolled around Albert Dyck Lake in Abbotsford. It’s a former quarry that the local waterskiing club now leases. It’s a short walk, under 2 km, on a good path.
It was a pretty unexciting stroll. It’s located in the middle of industrial and agricultural sites and near the airport. About ½ or more of the walk is untreed, but the rest of the trail has some trees.
The industrial smells around much of the lake were almost overwhelmingly intense. Fortunately, with the slight breeze, the scent dissipated for most of the back half of the lake.
We did see a bunch of naturalized daffodils and a couple of bunches of crocuses in bloom. That provided a pleasant diversion.
You can’t tell from the photo, but if you look eastward from the west end of the lake, you can see mountains in the distance. We’ve marked this trail on our mental lists as “been there, done that.” I can’t see a reason to go back.
On the positive side, it was good to see that an attempt was made to reclaim a former quarry (and stock it with fish), and it is great that the water skiers have a place to go.
There was a small area in the trees on the west side where someone had attempted to assemble a bit of a fairy community. There were several brightly coloured little birdhouses on the ground and some other props. Nature, or some vandals, had a go at it at one point, but it was still a pleasant little surprise.
Even though the park was disappointing, the sun was shining, the company was excellent and getting out for a walk was good for us. I’d call it a win overall.
Life can be like that. There will be times when things don’t pan out the way we hoped they might or are incredibly difficult.
We cannot change the circumstances. We can choose how we respond.
Our attitudes matter. If I mumble and complain about the small stuff, I am far more likely to grumble when things are really tough.
Followers of Christ are to be people of gratitude. Being grateful may not change the situation, but it certainly relieves pressure and sets us apart from the world.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
No matter how tough the circumstances, fierce the persecution or just plain unpleasant, believers know that Christ dwells in us, and we have the promise of future glory with HIm.
The temporal situation will fade away, but we have the Lord forever. We have a real reason to be grateful, even when this life disappoints (and it will).
King David, a man who endured much, including plenty of trials of his own making, understood that truth.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5
If you have Christ, you can rejoice no matter what. Be grateful and praise Him today.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)