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Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5:20 ESV
This coming year will mark a decade of ministry through Ascend Outdoor Adventures. In many ways it seems like the past ten years have flown by, and in some ways it seems time has moved very slowly. As I think over all that the Lord has done in and through this ministry since we began this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
God has used this ministry to touch thousands of lives in Central Texas and around the world. He has provided for this work through hundreds of donors and volunteers. We have also employed and discipled a dozen or so young men and women.
At Ascend we often use the terms “high point” and “low point” to debrief and unpack the blessings and difficulties we experience in our journey. It’s often easy to celebrate the highs, but much more difficult to be thankful for the lows.
In the book of Ephesians the Apostle Paul instructs us to give thanks for everything. This comes at the end of a practical section of scripture which exhorts its readers to live as people of light in a dark and troublesome world. As I think over the past ten years, there are many lofty moments of blessing and joy to celebrate, but there are also a number of deep painful valleys as well. God has been so faithful to walk beside us and guide us in both the good times and bad. Even the difficult times are a blessing from Him that He has allowed to grow us and develop us in God-reliance.
This Thanksgiving and Christmas season I hope you take some time to reflect over all the highs and lows of this past year. It is my prayer that even in the difficult things you will be able to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness and joy, trusting that God is present in it all and is lovingly guiding your path.