Thursday, September 4, 2008

Thankful Thursday

I have 29 minutes left to figure out how to be thankful. Some days it's just hard...I know we're supposed to be thankful in all things, but sometimes life just doesn't seem fair. What good is going to come of a baby in the NICU?? Everything I see isn't so hot--big bills, separation from the other children, hardship for the parents, not to mention health issues for the baby. How is the upheaval at church a good thing?? I really don't like conflict.

The good news is that I don't have to have the answers. God does. And I just need to trust that those answers will be revealed in time--either here or in heaven.

So since we're supposed to be thankful in all things...
--I'm thankful for the trials that little Samuel and his family are going through. I'm thankful for their faith and ability to rely on You when times are tough. Use them to show Yourself to other parents in the NICU, as well as staff.

--I'm thankful for how you use trials to reveal yourself, and test our faith. Help us to make good choices, and for those most affected by stuff at church to be stretched but not broken.

--Thanks for new classes and enthusiastic students.

--Thanks for a sub, even if it's just for the labs (we can patch something together for the rest of the classes).

--Thanks for sleepless nights...I'll be well prepared for newborn middle-of-the-night feedings :)

--Thanks that Henry loves school--his comment tonight was, "When I grow up, I want to be a dad that plays video games (which Patrick does not)...and a Kindergarten teacher."

--Thanks for the millions of parties Harmony has planned...she better live to 110 to have them all :)

--Thanks for an amazing crew of friends, and the opportunity to socialize with different groups the last three nights.

You know what I find amazing? Once you start, it's hard to stop...even though starting is tough! No wonder we're supposed to give thanks in all circumstances. It might not change the circumstance, but it definitely changes your perspective. Thanks for that wisdom too, God!

7 comments:

Denise said...

I know life can be hard, but God is tougher sweetie.

A happy heart at home said...

Thanks for your comment on Iris's website: "Remember the past fondly but look forward with joy." I like that.

~Susan

i said...

It's true, we all have so much to be thankful for even when it's hard. God bless!

Unknown said...

Ann,

This is one of the best TT posts I have read all week. Excellent and so truthful. I was inspired. God bless you. Love, Lynn

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Your post was just so wonderful, honest, and heartwarming!!!! Thank you for that! And it is true, once you start, there is so much to be thankful for, even on the darkest of days!!!!!

Cora

Unknown said...

It does help change your perspective once you start that thankful list. Thanks so much for sharing these blessings!

Have a blessed weekend, Ann!

eph2810 said...

Amen to your last statement, Ann. Yes, some days it is hard to start, but if we take the time to sit down and really think about our blessings, it is hard to stop.
Thank you for the link to little Samuel and his family...I needed to read his story this morning. God had that wonderful planned out...
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us.

Be blessed today and always...