Thanksgiving 2010

Last week was Thanksgiving. I was challenged by a friend to take stock of things I am not particularly grateful for and discover a new way of thinking about gratitude. For example, "I am thankful for dirty laundry because it means I have clothes to wear." Upon reflection I discovered a number of things that were hard to give thanks for. So at the risk of being too open, here are some things I am Truly, Truly Grateful for this Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!

I am Thankful (and Praising God) for our unemployment because it forces me to put into practice each moment of each day Trusting in the Lord, Leaning not on my own understanding, In all my ways acknowledging Him, and allowing Him to direct our path.

I am Thankful (and Praising God) for unemployment because it means I get the time with my husband that I have wanted so badly during 2 years of long distance dating.

I am Thankful (and Praising God) that this year I don't get to decorate our home for Christmas, because it reminds me in my heart that what makes this season Beautiful and Special are not Christmas trees and twinkle lights, but the Truth that a Savior was Born who is the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.

I am Thankful (and Praising God) that I am away from many of my friends and family because it means that Tim and I have more space to focus on our new marriage and learn what it means to be committed to Love and Serve each other.

I am Thankful (and Praising God) that I live near the 91 because it means that my brother lives nearby and I can see him whenever I want. It also means that when I am stuck in traffic I am blessed because the Lord has provided us with transportation and gasoline to get to the places we need to go.

I am Thankful that we have indestructible ants in our bedroom and sometimes even in our bed because ... hmm... this is a tough one for me. Maybe someone can give a suggestion of why this is something to Give Thanks for?

I am Thankful that no matter what happens and no matter if we lose everything, then I still have everything because I have God. No matter what, Tim and I do not need to fear.

Other things I am Giving Thanks for this year:

• The Gift of a Loving Husband
• A family who loves and supports each other
• The provision of our lovely home that we love (even though it is temporary and not ours :) which is great because it means we are not responsible for a mortgage)
• The joy of time to learn new things
• Rose bushes in our backyard with Roses the size of my head and the warm weather
• The opportunity to travel to see friends and family for the holidays
• The Excitement of looking forward in Hope and Expectation of all that this year has to hold for Tim and I
• Treasured friends who remind us of what is important in this Life and learning new lessons from their inspiration and encouragement
• Deep conversations that make my heart so full
• Surprising moments of Belly Laughter