Having a grateful heart

It is important for us to be thankful for the little things in life. We need to count our blessings for all that we have been given in this life. This morning I attended a men's breakfast at one of the local churches. The topic for this morning was encouragement, something very special to me.
When I was created by God, He placed within the gift of encouragement that I like to share with others. It is something that is found throughout scripture and needs to be appreciated more. Whether it is curled up for a nap by the warmth of the sun or having your name called at the gym for the arrival of my friend who kindly picked me up after making sure one of his friends made it home. God is that same way in life-putting people and circumstances in our lives to make sure that we make it safely home.
The other day on tv, a team of scientists worked together to help the whooping crane fly from Wisconsin to Florida for their annual migration in an effort to save their dwindling numbers. The pilot in a gliding plane guides the birds by following ahead and acting as the mother. This imprints it upon the cranes so that they take their journey themselves with their future generations.
This is the same way with our God in that He guides us in His invite to us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is the role of the church and its believers to help guide others onto that journey also known as discipleship. It takes time and takes a team, but the rewards are great in that it creates a self-sustaining church that reaches out better to others.
May these words bless the reader! Peace.