Thankfulness

In this current season in my life, I’m on the road back and forth to work – a lot. Like every week a lot. It has been challenging trying to keep life organized and on track living in two places. I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to do something I love: teaching students at my alma mater. Investing in the lives of young people is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. I really love what I do!

However, the days can be long. The hours in the car can be lonely. Time away from my sweet Brandon make me sad. There are times I am tempted to have a bit of a pity-party and feel sorry for myself, but I’m reminded that I have a choice.

Today, in my Sunday school class (I know they are called small groups now, but it’s still Sunday school to me), we talked about the choices we have in our thought life. I have a choice about the thoughts that I think. I have a choice about where my mind goes to spend time. I can decide what gets to stay and what should go.

This month of November, many people post on social media each day about the things they are thankful for. I love this idea so much. I love reading people’s posts about their families and friends and all the good things in their lives. But I don’t want to do this only in November. I want to live a life of gratitude. I want to remember every day how blessed I am. How faithful God has been. How thoughtful my Father God displays His love for me in both big and small ways. God is so good.

If you have known me for very long, you might know that I love a chorus from a few years back that says:

“When I think about the Lord
How He saved me,
How He raised me,
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost
– it makes me want to shout.”

I love going back to that song because it reminds me of what I have to be thankful for. When take a moment to look back on my life, it doesn’t take long for me to see God’s handiwork in so many places. He has been faithful. He has always been on time. He has been in so many beautiful, little details. He has been so loving and forgiving and gracious – in ways that I am so far from deserving – yet He keeps loving me. His Word is still true. His promises are still yes and amen.

I’m thankful for the little things like the amazing colors in the leaves in November, the crisp mornings with frost on my windshield, and the smell of fireplaces when it gets cold. I’m thankful for the sounds of Christmas music – even in November – the smiles of strangers shopping for the holidays, and the giggles of the kids waiting for the bus on the corner of my yard.

And I’m thankful for the big things like my loving, faithful husband. My kids all loving and serving our Lord. For a family that raised me in church. For the countless people who have invested in my life. And for the saving grace of my heavenly Father. I have so much to be thankful for!

So, this Thanksgiving season, I pray that you have a good memory in thinking of all the great things God has done for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!