Thankfulness

Here's a cheery note: I've been dreading this holiday season just a bit.

My extended family has gone through some changes during the year, and the holidays are going to be a little different. I have kind of been stuck thinking about how things have been in the past. I know, I know...nothing stays the same.

I've just had a hard time accepting that.

Today, though, I am thankful for a loving God that knows all of our stuff. He knows our struggles. He knows our successes. Most of all, He knows our hearts.

I am so blessed. God has given me a wonderful husband and an incredible daughter. Our families are great. We are healthy. I am so humbled and so thankful.

God has used the events of this year to show me that times of change are inevitable. The trial is in dealing with the changes.

Will I remain mired in the gunk of the past or will I seek to find joy in what lies ahead?

He alone knows the paths that each of our lives will take. There will always be challenges that we must face. Mercifully, He prepares us for them along the way. God never promised that our lives will be uncomplicated. He assures us, however, that it will all work together for good. Even when it doesn't seem like it.

I am thankful for the fantastic experiences of our year, but I am also thankful for the tough ones. I know that both lead me closer to the person that God intends for me to be.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Count your blessings.

Eat lots of pie.