wonder...again.

I am so looking forward to this next week... time to catch up with a dear old friend. I feel like life has been swirling around and between us and we finally have the chance to spend some good time together again. I've just been hit with this wave of gratitude toward God for all He has given me. My friendship with Courtney, my wonderful nieces, my close-knit family... Even the breath I breathe right now is a gift from Him. It's so simple, but most of the time I don't see it. Life gets too complicated. But, then, in the midst of the chaos, He provides a quiet place, a calm meadow where only a moment ago there was a roaring city street. It is in this place He reminds me of all the things this world is trying to make me forget. The simplicity of the gospel. Peace through shed blood. The wonder of grace.