I Give Thanks

“…the secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is.” Ann Voskamp

I have so much, to be grateful for — I give thanks. God is gracious and unbelievably good. On this eve of the Thanksgiving holiday; I find myself resting in the warmth of His grace, and undeniable acceptance. It’s the safest place I know. It amazes me how my heart has the capacity to hold large amounts of gratitude, joy, and love — at the same time holding measures of pain, compassion, and loss — that I could never carry on my own.

I’m convinced that authentic love is a bi-product of brokenness.

I prepare my house for family to arrive tomorrow and I give thanks for a beautiful place to call home. I give thanks. I also remember my beautiful best friend who lost her courageous fight against cancer on Thanksgiving day. I think of her daughters and what this holiday brings to them. I hold them close in my heart — and I pray.

I shop for groceries and enjoy the excitement of the holiday season — and I give thanks. I also think of a young girl I know. I see her bright eyes and beautiful smile. I wonder what today looks like for her family. She is one of six children whose father was just diagnosed with terminal cancer. My heart hurts, — and I pray.

I clean my home and decorate and excitedly await my family’s arrival — I give thanks. I also, think of the family down the road from me. The wife and three children lost their father and husband weeks ago. I see their children’s pain and I ache, — I pray.

I sit with my granddaughter and we enjoy small talk at the table together as I plan the Thanksgiving meal — I give thanks. I also, remember the family in town who lost their 17 year old son to a terrible accident a very short time ago, — I find it hard to breath — I pray.

I prep dishes tonight and take pleasure in making them beautiful for those I love — and I give thanks. I also remember the beautiful women in my church who will not have the gift of sitting down to dinner with their husbands this year — and my heart is heavy — and I pray.

I have finished all I plan to do for tonight and look forward to a good night’s rest — I give thanks. I also, remember a dear sister who is recovering from an invasive surgery to remove cancerous nodules from her lungs, — I thank God for her — and I pray.

“A life contemplating the blessings of Christ becomes a life acting the love of Christ.” Ann Voskamp

I give thanks — and I pray