Be Thankful Always
Thanksgiving is less than a week away! I feel this month I have been preparing more than I ever have for Thanksgiving, which I think is for many reasons. First, I am in a Bible study that is covering that very topic, for a month. It’s been good to think about “other” things to be thankful for, than just possessions. For instance, one week the Bible study was on how Jesus Christ is enough. Often times we look to other things to make us happy, but what are we really living for? Christ has provided all we need, and more importantly, died for our since so we can have eternal life – and that can never be taken away!
Secondly, as I get older, I feel I need less and less (in November people start to ask for Christmas lists) and therefore, I become more thankful for what I do have. I remember as a kid making this huge list of what I want for Christmas and I’m sure there was some ridiculous stuff on there. But as I look at my lists now, most of it is pretty practical stuff. Anyways, while making a list, I am starting to really realize how much God has provided for us. He has provided for all of our daily needs. This month I’ve been really trying to focus on that.
Third, because our life has taken a drastic turn, and though this is difficult at times, I still need to be thankful for the situation God has us in. Do I completely understand why we are going through this hard time? No. Does that mean I shouldn’t be thankful then? No. God STILL wants me to fall on my knees in thanksgiving. It’s so easy to look at just one situation (for example, not being able to have kids) and shut out everything else that He has given us. God has taught me to be thankful no matter what the circumstance. And when I am thankful always? God offers peace, I am more joyful, and in my heart and mind I feel like this isn’t the end of the world. God offers HOPE when I am thankful. God offers COMFORT when I am thankful. God offers A PEACE OF MIND when I am thankful. All things that I desire to have, especially now – all I need to do is be thankful!
Finally, I am blessed to be an AUNTIE again!! Matt and Kari welcomed another baby girl into their family, Emma Faye! She was born yesterday (I believe early afternoon). Kari and Emma are both doing very well! I am so excited for their family and I am excited to be auntie to another one of God’s children. You might be wondering how I dealt with the news. When I first heard, I was very excited, then I felt like a wall of bricks hit me and I just couldn’t stop tearing up. It was SUCH a mix of emotions – one that I really can’t explain. I was sooooo incredibly thankful and yet the other side of my heart was aching. Dan had left for a meeting and I knew I had to deal with these feelings and sure enough, it all came out. I just bawled, but they were tears of release. I had to let out the grief, the frustration, and the questions. And after I let it all out? I was fine. I haven’t tried to let myself go to the place of grief today b/c I want to be joyful and I am. And it’s such a great feeling. I am going to wait a few days to see precious Emma just because I want to make sure I am okay. I want my time with her to be one of unconditional love, with no barriers. It will probably still be hard, but I know God knows where I’m at and I believe He will give me the strength!
So praise God tonight for another healthy baby girl for our family :)!! Congratulations Matt, Kari, Noelle, and Addison! 3 girls!! Starting to look like the Geurink family!! And I’m sure Emma is just as cute at Noelle and Addison :).
