His voice was gentle and quiet as he told me about his loss. He had put everything in his business, had even put his home up for collateral for the new equipment. The news was not good. The new computerized washers and dryers in his laundry mat on Staten Island, had all been covered with ocean water, during Sandy’s fury. My heart sank more with each new insight into George’s story, the worst part, no flood insurance.
He told me that just before I called, he had been on knees praying for God to bring encouragement. George didn’t know how God was using his words to me at the same time He used my words to George. Encouragement seems to be like this, going both ways while we give it and receive it.
I listened to all he told me. I took notes. I asked him if I could pray with him.
We take many things for granted. We remind ourselves to be more thankful for the great things in life. We truly should be thankful for all the gifts we have been given. But how often do we thank God for the things He has taken?
“Father, help me to give you thanks in all circumstances. Help me to thank you for the things you give and for the things you take.
I need Your Spirit to teach me!”
Heidi Viars 
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