gratitude - join me on the journey

my friend, jason, posted this on his blog at few months ago and it has been mulling in my mind ever since. it is profound and wise, but that is not why it has stuck with me. it has stuck with me because of one reason. gratitude. jason has an attitude of gratitude even during the negative things that happen in our lives. so often we pray for a way around the pain, instead of a way through it. you, Lord Jesus, are the way through it and i am grateful for the heartache you have shown me. it allows me to better appreciate the wonderful, glorious peace you share with me.

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I can not prevent a broken heart, for in doing so, I would prevent you from experiencing love.

I can not prevent a scraped knee, for in doing so, I would prevent you from climbing new heights.

I can not prevent a wounded ego, for in doing so, I would prevent you from becoming a humble leader.

I can not prevent a fear of the unknown, for in doing so, I would prevent you from overcoming fear and living life one step at a time into the unknown.

I can not prevent an uncomfortable silence, for in doing so, I would prevent you from seeing the danger of comfort.

I can not prevent a hurtful insult, for in doing so, I would prevent you from finding your identity is not rooted in what others say.

I can not prevent a few wrong turns, for in doing so, I would prevent you from discovering a better way.

I can not prevent an awkward moment, for in doing so, I would prevent you from realizing you are wonderfully, and utterly, human.

I can not prevent an embarrassing situation, for in doing so, I would prevent you from learning to laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously.

I can not prevent occasions of doubt, for in doing so, I would prevent you from unlocking what it means to have faith.

from: http://www.jasonsalamun.com/2009/06/for-my-monkeyboy-and-my-pretty-pumpkin/