Thankful Thursday - On the Journey Home

I couldn't let this day pass by without sharing a special event from my life for which I am extremely thankful to God. Nearly 25 years ago, the Lord blessed my husband and me with a beautiful son. He has always been a joy to us and never failed to make us proud. On September 11, 2006, our son joined the army and over the next four years served our country with honor. In Iraq he grew in experience and knowledge and when he returned to the states was a man who had learned more about the world and had seen more of human behavior than I ever imagined a child of mine would. I thank the Lord that he came home healthy and whole, but I mourn with my son the loss of many who bravely served alongside him. As our country celebrates Memorial Day this weekend, I pray that we never forget the sacrifices made throughout the generations by these brave individuals – men and women who fought for freedom for ourselves and our neighbors across the seas. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Now our son’s time in the military has reached its completion and he is beginning a new time in his life. Over this past week, he travelled from one coast to the other, driving through our beautiful country with my husband. As they made the trip across the states to our home, I thanked God that they were together on the journey. They experienced a variety of different conditions as they travelled. There was sun and rain and even wind which produced sand storms in Arizona closing the roads and leaving hundreds of people stranded in a little town far from anywhere familiar. They branched out and explored unknown territory, seeing places they had never seen before. And through it all, they enjoyed the companionship and comfort of being together. How perfect, I thought, that father and son were side by side, sharing in the adventure and spending that special time together on their journey home.

It is the same in life. As we travel along the path God has set before us, how comforting it is to know that our Heavenly Father is right beside us. We are not alone. There will be times when the road is difficult and other times when it is smooth. But, He tells us to take comfort knowing that He is there. All along, God will be with us to be our Companion, our Leader, and our Guide on our journey Home. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Today, as in all days, I am thanking my Heavenly Father for watching over us and always being by our side. Whether we are in a distant land separated from friends and family or close by simply travelling along the path in life, let us remember, and be thankful, that we have a constant Companion in our Father.

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Be sure to join Laurie today over at Women Taking a Stand for more on this Thankful Thursday.