Thankfulness

For the last several years I have used Facebook to post something I am thankful for each and every day during the month of November.  This year I want to take it a step further.  I am always thankful for my family and friends, our home and all that we have.  But really, isn’t there more to be thankful for?  It’s time to dig deeper, reflect and focus on all good things.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV

It is hard to be thankful in the hard times.  On some of my darkest days after losing Adam and struggling to stay afloat with 3 little ones, all I could do when I prayed was to be thankful.  Sometimes finding things to be thankful for were silly little things.  But then  I remembered that God cares even about the smallest things.  I could be thankful for the laughter of my children. For all of our extended family and friends who would jump in to help at a moments notice.  For quiet nights when everyone went to sleep in their own beds without getting up 97 times! The ability to fed 3 hungry mouths.  The roof over our heads.  The clothes on our back.  Basic needs are often something we take for granted.  I was thankful in the weak moments and the moments of desperation.  I was thankful that my mother taught me to chose joy.  Thankful that I chose not to let the fact that I was a widow at 36 with 3 children become what defined me.  Thankful for the strength that God gave me each and everyday to continue to walk with him, and to seek him.  Thankful that in my weakest moments, He held me up.

Then, in that one moment where you are the most desperate, you remember to give up and give it all to God!  You realize that you are not in control, He is.  You know that God has a plan for you and for your children.  You cannot see how this plan will be set into motion, but your faith is bigger than your fears.  And in that moment, God was preparing a life for me, my children, and 3 others.  God knew exactly what we all needed and he was preparing our hearts before we even knew we were ready for it!  Sometimes we have to be completely broken for God to truly do His work in us.  Be thankful regardless of where you are in your life.  Be present in your circumstances and focus on God and the ways you can thank Him for the good you do have in your life.