The washing machine is whirring and the dishwasher set to start next, the table cleared and wiped down, the floor swept, the dishes and pots and pans washed and returned to their usual spots... With full tummies and happy hearts, it's time to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
I'm pushing aside my urge to tell you all how much I've missed blogging and moving right on to the importance of the day. I've thought so much about this post, it's been turning over in my mind for several days, if not a week or more.
I'm so thankful. It's not just the time of year or because it's the day to be thankful. I just am. When I think about all that God is doing in my life, all the ways He's using me, all growth that He's investing in me. Wow. It's humbling.
A list seems like a business-like way to attack this...
1.) Jesus. It all begins and ends with Him. I'm so thankful for a relationship with my savior, a relationship that began at the beginning of time, that the Maker thought me up (and you, and everyone you know and even everyone you don't know) and knew that when He gave me free will I would choose to go my own way. And when I chose that, He chose a sacrifice to cover that choice, at tremendous cost. And I live, in freedom, in right relationship with Him every day, because of that sacrifice. I am so grateful for His Grace, and His friendship.
2.) the Word of God. My ever growing dependency on it, learning to bury it in my heart, learning the words of life and wisdom and truth. I'm grateful to live in a time that I am free to study it, pray it over my life, and seek understanding. I have access to probably 10 translations sitting on my shelves and bedside table, not to mention Biblegateway.com or the volumes of translations and concordances in Rob's office. An amazing time we live in, isn't it?
3.) My dear, sweet family. I'll admit it. I love the Thoresons. Rob is, well, he's Rob. How else do I say that? He's everything I will ever need in a husband, and more. He is the love of my youth and the ever-growing love as we grow old together. He pushes me, supports me, corrects me, challenges me, provides for me, and most of loves me, which is a great gift unto itself. I am not an easy person to live with, I'm sure. :) Yet, he sticks around. And we have such a good time together.
Eli and Sarah. Two stinking geniuses, always lighting up our life with their humor and love and just general joy. They are so funny, so passionate, and it's a joy to behold them. (even though we have our rough moments, the good far outweighs the not-so-good) I consider myself so blessed (and mostly inadequate) to be their mom.
4.) the Ministry. God is so gracious to allow Rob and I to serve Him. We are both highly flawed people, but still He manages to use us and refine us in the process. I am thankful for His call on our lives and His perseverance to fulfill that call.
5.) Trinity. We love our church. We are so invested in it. We love our students and our congregation. We are grateful every day to be doing something we are so passionate about, and glad that Trinity is the place that God has called us to.
6.) Technology. Sounds dorky, but technology has really made my life better. I can't imagine life without the internet and Mac, and our Touches, cell phones. The connectivity really helps, especially living so far from family and friends. Productivity has been massively increased.
7.) Facebook. Silly, but yes, it needed it's own number. Facebook has changed the way we do ministry. It's such an awesome opportunity to connect with people, beyond that surfacey 'hey, how are you?' on Sunday morning. And to be connected with people around the globe at the type of a keyboard. I have several missionary friends in another hemisphere, and yet, I can know what they had for breakfast that morning. Plus, it's a great chance to be salt and light, being a positive voice that connects people to Jesus on a daily basis. I have lots of friends from high school who still don't know the Lord, but they are reading my status updates. What an opportunity!!
8.) My Nikon d90. You knew that was coming. This camera has changed the way I view the world and I love it!! Every time I pick it up I think how blessed I am to have it.
9.) ATP. God is really using this business; to bless families, to grow me in so many ways (spiritually, relationally, financially, even just in knowledge!) I've really had to step out and decide where it is going and I'm really excited about the possibilities. God literally dropped it in my lap and I'm still amazed that I'm working for myself now. Very cool. It really pays off to be a work-a-holic when you are self-employed, too bad I didn't figure that out years ago. Really, though, ATP has been specifically for this time in our life. I feel like it's my reward for staying home and investing in our kiddos those first 8 years of early childhood. Ironically, I thought they'd go to elementary and I'd return to college and then eventually go back to work. I never dreamt that God would rewrite my plans (again) and allow me to go back to work so soon. Very cool, and completely satisfying, even if it makes our life a little crazy.
10.) Good friends. I have three friends who continually feed my soul. These girls are available any time I call, and always prove to be good sounding boards, offering solid advice and prayer. I am so glad they are a part of my life.
11.) Our home. All 1288 square feet of it. I will never be dissatisfied with this house. Of course there are things I would like to improve (you know me, I have a list of someday projects), but any time I feel myself growing discontent, I remember the Ozark house. All 500 sq ft of it. And I'm fine then. God has brought us so far since 2005.
12.) Personal Growth. wow. I just perused back to 2005 to see if I had a blog post about our tiny house and I was so cynical, oh my! I guess I was just really in a bad place back then, but I'm usually pretty glass-half-full, so it was surprising. I can see how my faith has grown since then. God has really brought us through some trials over the years and I can see the character He's been working on so diligently. Thank you Lord!
13.) Our freedom. Even though, I often think the very freedom that this country was founded on will eventually become it's demise. I am so thankful for people like my brother Chris and my cousin John who are working so hard to protect our country, sacrificing so much. We are blessed because of them.
Well, that's a start. Now to include some pictures.
We drew on a tablecloth today, all the things we were thankful for. Making this a new family tradition. :)
Here are the results. Totally washable, cheap table cloth + sharpies.
Yesterday we kept an eye on Grace and Ethan while their folks made a hospital visit. I had already planned on making these cute pilgrim hat cookies. It was a lot of fun.
And then here is our meal as a family this afternoon. It was yummy! (a little irritated with these last two shots because I had it in manual earlier, set for the light in the kitchen at the time, and then forgot to reinspect the settings when we sat down to eat an hour later. The sun was lower on the west side of the house, brighter room on the same settings = blown out photo. rookie mistake. oh well.)
I also snuck a remote shot while we were praying, just cause I could. :) Funny, right after we were done praying Eli told me he had thought of it too! That's my boy!
No comments:
Post a Comment