"Who does not thank for little will not thank for much." - Estonian Proverb
As this week is drawing to a close, and I am making my shopping list for Thanksgiving dinner, planning the menu, figuring out our schedule for the Thanksgiving weekend...I've been so busy that I haven't taken the time this week, until today, to really think about all that I am thankful for.
Lindsey and I are putting together our toys for Operation Christmas Child...something our family has done for most of the years that we have lived in Marion. I was hoping that we could do it next weekend, when Casie was home, so that all 3 of us could each do a box. But the deadline to turn in the boxes is this weekend, so Linds and I decided to each do one. It's a small gesture, but one we've really been blessed being a part of all these years.
I'm thankful that we are able to participate in a giving ministry such as this, and I'm thankful that my girls enjoy giving and are blessed by it. I'm thankful that although we've gone through some really tough times, that we are still blessed beyond measure.
Today I'm also thankful for the wonderful boss that I am blessed to work for. Yesterday was Vicki's second chemo treatment for her breast cancer, and I was picking her up and driving her to the office for about 45 minutes to handle a few things, then I was driving her down the street to the cancer treatment center she goes to. Our boss emailed me at home the night before and told me to stay with her that morning until her husband, a teacher, was able to join her a few hours later. He, along with our entire law firm, have all linked arms to support her and help her in this battle. Vicki and I are not only co-workers, we are dear friends. Any small thing I can do for her during this time, is a blessing to me. She has been my rock for the last couple of years, and I'm grateful that I am able to do anything that might make life a little easier right now. So I was simply honored to be the driver yesterday morning...and then when I got the email telling me to stay with her, I was grateful to work for someone so caring and compassionate. He is this way with all of his employees....and each and every one of us are honored to be a part of his team. I was able to be with Vicki until about 10:45 that morning, when Barry was able to get there.
I'm still adjusting to life as a single mom...sometimes I wonder if I'll ever adjust. But in spite of the struggles and hardships, I'm thankful we have a home, and that our home is a loving one. I'm thankful for both shared laughter and tears with my girls. I'm thankful that I am able to go to the grocery store and pick up the items on my menu. I'm thankful for God's grace that has been poured over our lives.
I've shared with my girls that being thankful in all things is so very important....and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is one of my favorite scriptures:
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I don't have to necessarily be thankful FOR my circumstances, but be thankful IN them. Being thankful in all things, noticing and recognizing God's blessings, no matter how small, somehow opens my eyes to the bigger picture, and I am able to see God's handprint all over my life.
