The season of thanksgiving. From the sight of the photo, some would probably say we are skipping it all together. That's okay. I grew up in a no-Christmas-till-after-thanksgiving crew myself. That is just not something that works for our family in this season of life, and I am grateful that we have learned to modify "traditions" to fit us. So don't worry, we still celebrate thanksgiving. I am more excited for it this year even because the tiny human will be able to enjoy the food with us! More than the day or season itself, I want to live with an attitude of gratitude every day of the year. It is something I must remind myself of often, because it is so easy to complain about things or pick out the negatives, but to live with a heart of gratitude takes work. It is one thing to stand up at thanksgiving and share what you are thankful for, but another to actually be thankful for it on a random afternoon. It is one thing to say you are thankful for someone or something in the moment, but then another to live a life governed by gratitude for that thing or person throughout the year. It's one thing to say you are thankful, it is another to show you are thankful by your actions and responses day by day. Grateful for small things, big things, and everything in betweenMy little family is back to 'normal' post-COVID.
I'm not here to make light of the situation. Lives have been lost. Even those who have touched my life personally. There are many experiences that the virus has stolen that can never be returned. It's been a wild year, and I see the fear that is associated with the word, but I'd like to attach a new label. Gratitude. What is there to be thankful about getting sick? - I am grateful for the stretch of faith. We often had the conversation of "we can't afford to get COVID." Two weeks minimum without working? We've been very blessed that he has been able to keep working throughout the stay-at-home orders because his job was genuinely essential. Not working wasn't ever something that was in the plans, but God knows what we need. He provides, and offers peace if we trust Him. He offers stability in a fragile world. - I am grateful for the rest. Life gets heavy. People and situations hurt. Busyness pulls at you from every direction and to-do lists overload your mind. God is so good to us to offer rest when it is needed. There could be a gentle press to the reset button. Just rest in every sense. - I am grateful for time together. Time with my husband, and as a family. Extended time together doesn't generate friction in our marriage, rather it always leaves us with a closer relationship than before. Having us get sick was the best gift we could have received. Once we were all well again, we got so much rest, and enjoyed some priceless time together prepping us for peak season. All that and now we have stories to tell our grandkids. And the baby girl got to put the star on the tree - it was A D O R A B L E! I challenge you to yes, be thankful for all the Lord has given you this season but also live with a heart of gratitude every day. Side note: Hang twinkle lights on your bed frame. You'll thank me later. Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Lizzy parkerMarriage.
Motherhood. Ministry. Missions. Archives
January 2023
|