Whenever my kids are having a hard time or are complaining I say to them "Choose Thankfulness" and help them examine the aspects of whatever it is, and pick out things to say "Thank you Jesus for...". It IS a choice. There are really happy people in really crappy circumstances, circumstances even the most empathetic person cannot wrap their heads and heart around. They are happy and at peace because they choose to be thankful. As some of you know this has been a really challenging week for our family and it's only Wednesday. Last night after my husband went to bed I sat alone with the Lord in the living room and cried about it all. Guess what he patiently and quietly whispered into my heart. "Choose thankfulness." So here it is, something I am thankful for, for each thing that was difficult or meant for my harm or the harm of those I love, I'm choosing elements to be thankful for.
I am thankful for our little monster dog Rylo who was accidentally let out and killed one of our chicks. He makes us laugh with his, whatever the opposite of majesty, grace, and beauty is called. I'm thankful that he makes my Lena Bean so happy, except that day. I'm thankful that we have chickens and the resources that includes. I'm thankful for the child who volunteered to dig the hole, bury, and make a cross for the grave of "Cammo". Seriously, the depths of this kid, just like their daddy.
I am thankful for Hannah Williams. I am thankful for the special bond I have with this BEAUTIFUL, kind, fun, deep, affectionate, gigantically hearted sister. I am thankful the Lord has given her a life mate. I am so thankful for him too. Such a precious, tender brother. I am thankful for them individually, but what they are together in the Lord is a whole other gift to be thankful for. I am thankful the Lord has a lifetime of adventure planned for them, even if it means I have to say good bye, or "see you later". I am also thankful for her parents.
I am thankful for those who have shown us understanding, sensitivity, and love how it applies to being a police family at a time where people are hating them. Between the ambush killing of an officer so close to home and Ferguson, the level of sensitivity some people have and the love and concern they show, it warms my heart more than you could ever know. I am thankful for the officers we know, ALL GOOD GUYS. I am thankful for their servant hearts. I am thankful that the sheep have sheep dogs to protect them against the wolves. I am thankful for my police wives too! And of course, I am thankful to be married to a real life hero. There is nothing in this world, besides Jesus, I am more proud of than him who my heart loves.
I am thankful one of my children didn't receive a worse diagnosis. It really could be worse. I am thankful a couple aspects of the illness will go away with age. While there is no cure or real treatment I am thankful there are natural, dietary, and physical therapies that can help some. I am thankful for the love that surrounds them. True love. From A LOT of people. Not a thing I take lightly or take for granted. I am thankful for how the Lord plans to use this child and already has. I am also thankful He prepared me for the news with a strong suspicion and it wasn't a bomb dropped out of nowhere. His grace is also in knowing that about me.
I am thankful for the family member that hates my guts. I am thankful they are alive and well enough to hate me. Not being sarcastic, I'm serious. I am thankful the Lord allows me to truly and completely forgive them even if they have blown through their 77X7. I'm thankful one of the things they hate about me most is that I follow Jesus. To be hated for His sake, there is no better privilege. I am thankful the Lord is my friend and shares His pain from this person with me. They hate me because I am a "christian" but hate Him because His is Christ. He shared that one with me last night too. We both love and forgive them, even if they keep wounding.
And lastly,because it's equally important to be thankful for the small things as they really add up, I am thankful I got to clean up after Friday's party. #1 It was SO fun! #2 We got to keep the paper plates and today, this very day, Wednesday, November 26th 2014 I am SO thankful for paper plates.
