I was blessed with a most amazing opportunity to visit Europe. On the trip we got to see many incredible and beautiful places. But sometimes, despite the wonder and beauty of it, there were “thorns” – something that went wrong. Like when we went to a stunning lake in the Dolomites and I forgot the lunch. Or when we went on the most incredible cycle and it got cold and started raining. Or when we went to the most beautiful beach and… um, I can’t remember, but something went wrong, I’m sure of it. Actually, now that I think of it, on many of our adventures there was some “thorn.” But how quickly I seem to have forgotten them. All I can recall is the wonder, awe, and enduring feelings of joy. The thorns have faded away. The apostle Paul had many thorns, yet he said, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13–14). Today, in God’s strength, let go of the pains of the past. Give thanks for his blessing of life and rejoice in his promise of eternity (Romans 8:18). Open Bible – https://bit.ly/Phi3v13, https://bit.ly/rom8v18 (Craig B)
