Thanksgiving is upon us! Thanksgiving is arguably my favorite holiday, with Christmas and maybe Easter and Fourth of July falling in line behind the most glorious holiday. It’s true, at times I am completely greedy, which is one of my ugliest attributes. I can take things for granted and focus on the wrong things. But when I get it right, and focus on all that I DO have and all He has provided, I want to scream from the rooftops that, “I AM THANKFUL!”
There really isn’t anything that I don’t like about Thanksgiving. I have so many things for which I am thankful, so I thought I would list them, in no particular order, because I think it is a good practice to count your blessings.
- I am thankful for my family. I have grown up the youngest of six children, so anything besides a big family around a large table on thanksgiving, with me and my twin at the kids table seems just odd. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the constant love and support my family pours into my life. I wouldn’t laugh as much because they are some of the funniest people I know, whether their humor is on purpose or not. My heart wouldn’t be as full without all of my nephews and my niece calling me “Emmy” and wrapping me around their little fingers. I wouldn’t be as joyful because being around them, no matter the occasion, brings me such large amounts of joy I can barely comprehend.
- I am thankful for the family into which I married. Casey’s family are such incredible people. There is never a dull moment spent with them. They keep me laughing, and they feel like home, something for which I cannot fully express my thankfulness. They love me like I’m one of their own, and they are helping me become a dog person, for which I was at first, reluctantly thankful, but now enjoying. I can’t wait to spend time with them this week.
- I am thankful for my church family and home. It may not be a surprise by now, but family is extremely important to me. Living two hours away from family on both sides has its setbacks at times, but Casey and I have developed such a support group and family in Moore, we feel at home. Our family group that meets on Sunday nights is a perfect example of the Church (big C) that surrounds us and loves unconditionally. They fill my heart to the brim!
- I am thankful for my job, and my husband’s work. Never in all of my years of school did I think I would have the opportunity to report the news AND be in a God-honoring environment. I have nothing against any of my previous jobs. I am extremely thankful for them as well, but the job I have now at the Baptist Messenger is just proof that the Lord delights in granting our hearts’ desires. I never dread work. I get to do what I love with a great team, and I have a statewide platform to share the Good News, for that I am thankful! I am also thankful for Casey’s job. The fact that I have a husband who loves the Lord and works in a capacity that is serving him daily within a church is a huge blessing. I love that the staff he is a part of are so close. I love the college students we get to call friends, and I love the ministry where the Lord placed us to make disciples. It is truly an honor.
- I am thankful for my home. My husband, Casey, and I bought our first home back in March of this year, and I have never been more thankful for the Lord’s provisions. There is nothing like coming home to a place you can truly call your own. I’ve loved getting to decorate our home and put personal touches into it. I’ve loved how we get to do ministry in our home by inviting people into it. I’ve loved the simple Saturday mornings where we get to cook breakfast together. I’ve loved not having to tiptoe because someone lives under us, not having to put down a pet deposit, having our own space. I just love our home, and I am so thankful for it!
I could truly go on for days about all of the things for which I’m most thankful. Good health, reliable cars, my cat, Hagrid and even our Dog, Sadie (most times), but what I am most thankful for, now and always, is a gracious and loving God.
God’s love has changed my life. His forgiveness has made me new, and in Him I am offered eternal live. He is a gracious Father. Comforter. Redeemer. Friend. Without him, all above mentioned things cannot and will not fulfill my life. I am thankful for His provisions but most of all, His loving Sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, and the gift of eternal life through Him.