789. introducing Jim to "my" Japan
790. sharing in our friends' suffering
791. the ministry of presence
792. safety
793. He is our refuge & strength, an ever-present help in trouble
794. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
795. email, blogs, facebook, skype and internet to keep connected with friends "on the ground"
796. a few days' cushion to re-enter this world
797. knowledge that it's okay to be overwhelmed with the vast differences between worlds
798. peaceful music, hot tea, time to sleep off jet lag, books to take my mind off everything
799. the opportunity to report to our church
800. having someone to go through jet lag WITH for the first time ever
These gifts are just that ... gifts! And not just gifts, but the icing-on-the-cake gifts. "All I need is Jesus," is not a trite statement. He truly is the best gift. He is enough, and I do not need these other gifts. But the discipline of noticing them points me back to the Giver of all good gifts and helps me give Him my gift of thanksgiving.
To join in on reading others' lists or recording your own, visit the gratitude community at “One Thousand Gifts" or check out the new website: One Thousand Gifts.
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