Thankful Thursday: The Road Less Traveled

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."  Psalm 5:11

The Road

Today, on this Thanksgiving Day, the Redford family is thankful to be alive.  On Tuesday, and at the advice of our trusted GPS device, we took the road less traveled – proving that our GPS is a brainless machine.  After all, anyone with a brain understands that sending a family on a route that includes a one lane log road over a mountain pass in late November is NOT the quickest route!  By the end of our fiasco, we had spent two and a half hours on a useless detour between Tillamook and Sherwood Oregon which involved deep snow, sliding, beautiful scenery including a pristine river and a herd of elk, deep ruts, getting stuck (for just a few nervous moments), turning around, amazing snow driving from Tresa, and a lot of prayer.  Though we were late in arriving to our destination (sorry Lyssa!) we did arrive safe and sound.  It is true that safety, health and life itself are precious and they are so easily taken for granted. 

 A few miles after we turned around.

 Let me also say, as a guest writer here, how thankful I am for Tresa in my life.  Thank you, Jesus, for a woman who truly loves You, who is endlessly committed to her family, her church and to serving others.  Thank You for her sweet, giving spirit and tender heart.  She is a gift like no other to me!  Happy Birthday to you, my true love.

Heavenly Father, On this Thanksgiving we stop to appreciate Your goodness to us for safe passage through this past year.   Thank you, Lord, for your protection over our family.  Thank you also for a safe journey through the mountains yesterday, and for the chance to witness Your hand of creativity, care and providence.  We are constantly surrounded by Your beautiful creation us as well as countless reminders of how precious our lives are to You.  We love you and we pray that You will constantly instill in our children (and in us) a deep appreciation for basic things.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ken