Last Sunday we sat in church and listened to a sermon about "Thanksgiving" and the message hit me like a ton of bricks. Yes, Thanksgiving is a national holiday when most people celebrate by gathering together with family or friends for a holiday feast at which time they may or may not thank God for the blessings he has provided them. But, the message in the sermon was this...we need to act as if EVERYDAY is Thanksgiving because it is. God blesses me each and everyday but do I express my thankfulness to him each day? Yes, I say a prayer with my children every night teaching them to thank God for his faithfulness and before I close my eyes at night I do the same. BUT, I have to admit that a "routine" prayer happens more than I would like. What a humbling thought! As I read the footnote to the passage I printed above it becomes even clearer: When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. So, as we enter this holiday season I am going to find at least one specific thing to be thankful for each day. Today my list starts with God's faithfulness!
One of the many things he has blessed us with is a loving family. This Thanksgiving has been such a blessed time for me. As you are all aware from my recent posts my parents, and grandmother have been with us this week. I am so thankful for the time they have shared with us--it has meant so much! These times are extra special since our times together aren't as frequent as we would like due to the distance between our homes--it is a 15 hour drive. It warmed my heart as my children greeted them very warmly from the minute they walked in the door--something I have been praying for. Little Abby even let Grammie put her to bed just minutes after they arrived! Our gathering got even better as my sister and her family joined us on Wednesday.
The rest of our family lives within a 4 hour drive or closer which is something we are so very thankful for. Family is such an important thing in our lives and every minute we are able to spend with each member is wonderful. We look forward to seeing everyone else very soon!
God has also blessed us with wonderful friendships near and far. We have seen how important it is to have friends and how much they can strengthen and support us. As we receive the gift of friendship we pray that God will help us to be good friends to others as well.
We pray that you have had a blessed year and that your Thanksgiving was filled with the warmth from God's love and the gift of family and friendship. Happy Thankgsiving!
1 comment:
Great post, Kim! I am very thankful for your friendship! =)
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