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{More Than}Surviving Thanksgiving

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It was my goal to survive Thanksgiving. My hopes and expectations were no more than that.

Oh, ye of little faith.

Thanksgiving came, and it was good.

 

This hurt often feels big enough to over-shadow everything else. To make an attitude of thanksgiving impossible.

But, I was wrong.

Just as I am daily learning that it is possible to be simultaneously broken and blessed, I am also learning that life doesn’t have to be all sunshine and roses to give thanks.

Thanksgiving 2014 reminded me that I can give thanks even in hurt and sadness.

 

My greatest blessings are the people God placed in my life.

Today it was Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles who took the time to put their arms around me. Who asked “How are you?” and didn’t need to hear the lie of “Fine” or “Good” in reply. Who loved on my children and gave them lollipops and countless brownies.

family

I can be sad and hurt at the circumstances while being thankful for the mercies God has placed around me to soften the blow. And I can smile real smiles, because I have so much to be thankful for.

thanksgiving dayThankfulness doesn’t only flow from a great, happy life. Even in downright rotten circumstances I’ve still got THE something to be thankful for- Jesus.

Jesus, his sacrifice and grace, and a future in heaven with Him are all that are needed for thankfulness.

When I also open my eyes and my heart to acknowledge all the other ‘things’ he has blessed me with. Family, friends, and 6 beautiful children. It’s pretty hard not to feel overwhelmed by thankfulness after all.

thankful

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.  (the Message)

{ all photos by my Dad} Thanks Dad!
 
 

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