November Thankfulness

November is a time when so many people really think about being thankful.  Thankful for what they have, thankful for family, thankful for friends, thankful for health.  I’ve heard of families who put up a “thankful tree” each year where everyday, the family members decorate a leaf with what they are thankful for and by the time the end of the month rolls around, there is a beautiful, full tree to reflect upon.  What a beautiful idea!

This year, I have so much to be thankful for.  Being thankful is really a state of being though isn’t it?  It’s a constant state of being in praise for who God is and what he is doing.  It can be, however, hard to live in thankfulness when life seems to be crumbling around you.

For almost 3 years, I was a single mom.  During that time, I learned to be grateful for the ability to pay bills.  I paid off my car, refinanced to own my own home, paid off a debt to my parents and continued to keep on the utilities, take care of my child and have some fun too!  Childcare was provided by Professor’s grandmother, so I always knew that he was well taken care of (and it was free!).  I was – and still am – thankful for the love of  my parents and close friends who got me through that time.  I learned during that time, how grateful to be able – especially as a woman – to have a job that provided for me well, how moving toward tithing builds trust, and that I should never dread paying bills because I CAN pay them.

During this season of my life, when uncertainty is in the air, I am constantly in awe of God’s provision for my family.  I am thankful for kindness of others, prayer warriors, church family and so many, many things.  I am thankful for family that loves and supports.  I’m thankful for healthy kids.  I’m thankful for Racer’s work and me being able to stay home.  I’m thankful for a marriage that, while not perfect, is become so much more than I thought. 

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  1 Chronicles 16:34

Above all, I’m thankful for a God that love me, teaches me, is patient with me and saves me – even though I deserve none of it.  Gratitude is not something that comes easy though.  So many times, I have lamented like many “Why me God?”  My response now is “How am I to grow from this God?”  Life’s uncertainties and struggles, teach us, shape us, refine us into a pure silver so that we can reflect the Light of Christ.  Being thankful for ALL that comes into our lives is a part of that process.  Gratitude must be learned.

I’ve heard of people, who each day this month, are posting on Facebook, Twitter, blogs or other media means, one thing each day that they are thankful for.  Will you join me in this endeavor?  Together, no matter what our circumstances, let us learn to be more thankful.

Start here.

Start today.

What are you thankful for?