Gratitude

We had our first Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, so it feels like the "holiday season" is upon us already! Woo hoo!

Our Thanksgiving holiday gives us a reminder to pause and to be grateful for all of our blessings. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the difficulties and stress and busyness of everyday life. So many times when I have felt  like our situation is too hard, in those "Why me?" moments, God gives me shots of perspective. He lets me see the joyful part of our lives. He brings someone else's tragedy or truly difficult situation to my attention~someone else who needs prayers. The Lord reminds me that He's always with me.

And sometimes He hits me upside the head to bring me back around.

I find when I take a step back and look at my life, there is so much to be grateful for, both big and little things. I just wanted to share part of my list here. I am grateful for:

• having God in my life.
• my husband and I having God at the center of our marriage and our family.
• my husband, who is one amazing man. He loves me completely.
• our biological son, and the experience of bringing him into the world. Wow, that was cool.
• our two adopted sons, and the experience of bringing them into our family. ...What a long, strange trip it has been...
• God's fingerprint on every part of the munchkins' adoptions.
• the joyful noise of three loud boys in the house.
• the joyful lack of noise when three boys are sleeping at night :o)
• hugs.
• my mom, who is one of the most kind and generous people I know.
• my sister, and our relationship being closer than ever. I love ya, sista. You are the reason that I never wanted Josh to be an "only".
• my dad. I miss you. Even though your disease made my childhood not so fun, it did shape who I am today. You would have been sober 26 years this year, Daddio...
• my family, and my in-laws. They are the coolest.
• a strong, healthy body.
• hearing the wind blow through the leaves in the trees.
• popcorn.
• answered prayers.
• my friends, both past and present. I have been and am truly blessed by each of you.
• music and "dance parties".
• hugs.
• kisses.
• snow and rainbows and sunshine and thunderstorms.
• a house to live in and plenty of food to eat.
• unanswered prayers.
• sunrises and sunsets.
• choices.
• our garden (aka Chris' therapy room).
• hugs.
• my husband coming home safely every day after work.
• my husband having a job he loves.
• our neighbors.
• dogs and cats.
• time I spend with the critters at the wildlife rehab center.
• emotions - all of them.
• jellybeans.
• hugs.

(((hugs))),
chris


Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.     Colossians 3:15-17