Oh Give Thanks!!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" (Psalm 105:1)


This Thanksgiving will be different for us. We won't be gathering around a platter of turkey. I won't be worn out from two days of food preparation. And our whole family won't be together. Yet I find so much to be thankful for, and feel even more gratitude in my heart than ever. Sometimes when the external things are stripped from us it causes us to dig even deeper to discover and celebrate the abundance we have been given.

I am thankful for my imperfect yet beautiful family, who in our imperfections give God even more opportunities to display His goodness and amazing grace!
I am thankful for new life, reminding me that we are all part of a much bigger story, a story which will continue to be told throughout time.

I am thankful for long time friends who have appreciated me, warts and all, and shown me that I do not have to be perfect to be loved.

I am thankful for new friends and discovering their beautiful stories of faith, and for developing even more relationships in which to grow.

I am thankful for difficult people who challenge me to exercise the abundant love and grace I have been given.
I am thankful that to God there are no difficult people, only kids who need His love.

I am thankful for death and passing on, and for every new member of the great cloud of witnesses who surround me and have gone before me.
 I am thankful for missed opportunities which remind me to grab hold of each opportunity that comes my way to prevent any more missed ones.

I am thankful laughter, good old gut cramping belly laughs that make me feel so alive.
I am thankful for tears, for grief and sorrow that cleanse my soul and allow the sweetness of God's comfort to be made real to me.

I am thankful that I know for sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God is real.

I am thankful that I now also know for sure that God is good.

I am thankful for the trials which have all become catalysts for God's goodness to be revealed to me in greater measure.

I am thankful that He has shown me that His goodness can be relied upon every day in every situation.

I am thankful beyond words and beyond measure!!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."!!!!! (Psalm 28:7)  

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!