Today I am Thankful

Today I am thankful!

Beginning to reflect upon the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I’ve decided to look at things a bit differently. A commonality of thankfulness, is often “I am thankful for my family” “I am thankful for my friends” “I am thankful for my job, my health, my, my, my”

Today I am thankful for the many hardships I have had in my life. For without them, I would not be the molded character I am today. And without them, I would not have a story to share, a testimony to give, and a call from God to follow, to reach out to other. Today I choose to be thankful for many things….

{{But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Tim 4:5 }}

{{Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4}}  

Today I am thankful that my parents divorced when I was young, for out of that I have been gifted with not only one, but two fathers who have taught me and nurtured me in more ways than they will ever know. Both spoken and unspoken lessons deeply rooted within me.

{{and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6}}

Today I am thankful that both my mother and father were drug addicts throughout my entire childhood. For without that bondage in their life, they would have never learned to be set free. I praise God daily for their sobriety.

{{“Death has been swallowed up in victory” 1 Corinthians 15:54}}

Today I am thankful for the dysfunctional relationships I put myself in. For without them I would not have had my first 2 boys at such an early age, to teach me so much in life. Through those relationships, I have also been blessed with an amazing family that I consider like parents still to this day. I am also thankful for these relationships, for through them led a path to the amazing men of God, I call my husband today.

{{For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24}}

Today I am thankful for my oldest son who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called tretology of fallot, and underwent his first and only open heart surgery at 6 months of age. For through his triumphs, we have been able to glorify God every step of the way. Having the knowledge that I hold regarding this defect, it amazes me still today, 17 years later how well he really is doing.

{{For I am the Lord who heals you Exodus 15:26}}

Today I am thankful that my husband was injured on the job and unable to return to the work field. For through this, I was able to pursue my nursing degree, and allow the man of our home to raise our 5 boys.  Through this period, they shall rise up into amazing young men.

{{Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6}}

Today I am thankful that we struggle financially, for through our struggle I have found contentment. I don’t drive the nicest car, or have the nicest clothes. But we have heat in our home, clothes on our back, fuel in our tank, and food in our bellies. We “want” for much, but “need” nothing.

{{And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19}}

Today I am thankful that I did not have many friends, true friends while growing up, and even throughout my early adulthood. Yes, I had many women in my life, but very few to call my friends. For it has taught me to nurture the true friendships I do now hold. I have still few women in my life, but I hold them so very near and dear to my heart, and thank God for them every day.

{{Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13}}