Our family woke up thankful this morning; very thankful to be alive and to have all 7 of us. While on our way to dinner with my brother's family, who was visiting this weekend, we were involved in an accident that miraculously didn't injure any of us, save a few backaches. Upon having a green arrow to turn left, we and the car next next to us began to pull into the intersection to turn. A gentleman ran a red light (he was driving into the blinding sunset, and could not see the light, he said) and took out the front end of our vehicle. The man driving the other car is fine as well, thanks to the fact that The Preacher hit the breaks when he did. A moment later and my husband and baby boy #5 would not be with us. It's humbling. Life is so fleeting and fragile, is it not? I'm so thankful that our lives are in the hands of the Lord.
I'm rejoicing in the mercy and sovereignty of our God. I'm rejoicing that our five children, though shook up and emotional, were a delight to bystanders who came to help and offer blankets. I'm rejoicing that the baby stayed content in his carseat, and simply dozed off in the whole debacle. I'm rejoicing that all 7 of us are healthy and well. I'm rejoicing that there's so much to be thankful for, even in hardships.
The Preacher is preaching through Philippians at our church. He gave an intro to the book yesterday and spoke on joy, as seen in the life and testimony of the Apostle Paul. "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil. 4:12b)..."Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4)
What an example we have, to pursue thanksgiving and contentment, finding that there is nothing, save the Grace of God, embodied in Christ, that serves as our source of joy and satisfaction in the midst of all things. Praise God!