How To Be Thankful This Year

How to be thankful this year? We have so much to be thankful for, right? Sometimes it is so hard to be thankful when life is so tough. Especially when you have lost a loved one. No matter what you are facing today, know that God loves you and He will see you though it!

A Thankful Pumpkin

Last weekend we attended a special thanksgiving dinner at our church. The children’s group hosted the event and we had such a wonderful time! We were given a little pumpkin to write on what our family was thankful for. We wrote God, family, friends, our country, food, health, house, church, clothing, faith, doggie and chickens. Just to name a few.

It was so encouraging to see all the things our family was thankful for! We really needed some more pumpkin room to write on. God has been so good to us! The one thing that I didn’t hear mentioned was the cell phone. How much time do we spend with it? When we really sit down and pause for a minute to think about what matters most, its those we love. The things money can’t buy.

2 pink zinnia flowers with the work Thankful written in black and pink across the middle.

During Hard Times- How To Be Thankful This Year

Last year during this time my dad was very sick with cancer. It was one of the hardest times in my life. I don’t really want to even go there. But, I hope that in writing this post it encourages someone who is in the same shoes as I was!

Growing up my dad was always a strong man. He stayed in shape, good health. But, “c” does not care who you are. It can happen to anyone at anytime. It is so very hard to watch someone go through all that it does to the body. If you have been through it, you know and understand. I didn’t truly understand until I saw first hand. There are really no words!

The Hardest Part

The hardest part of my dad being sick was balancing it all! Trying to be there for him while still being a busy mom and working full time. You just want to say, time out! But, you can’t. You still have to keep on going because you have your family that depends on you. During this roller coaster, Dad was in and out of the hospital, emergency room and rehab. I don’t know how I did it except for God’s help everyday! He gave me just what I needed when I wanted to say, “I can’t take anymore of this!”

My sister and I would take our dad to the Dr. and our brother would meet us there. The waiting room would be full of sick patients, how so many were in need. We had our little system of getting him in there, out and back home. It was hard, but I am so thankful all 3 of us could be there. Supporting him during this most difficult time.

My Top Three, Thankful For….

God, His story, His Son and for the hope of eternal life! My dad knew Jesus, that was the best thing about Him. It is so hard to loose someone you love! But, knowing that He knew Jesus, I know I will see him again one day. He is also not hurting anymore and for that I am truly thankful!
Family! My husband, my kids, my mom, my sis and her family, my brother and his family, my aunts and uncles, cousins, and all those that aren’t family, but are like family. I’m thankful for a true hug by the ones you love! There is something so special about a hug! Family time, meals at the table and laughter for all the silly times.
Faithful friends! Those friends that you know has your back. The ones that text you when they know you need a prayer and they say, “I’m praying.” The friends that are there when you text and ask for prayer and they respond in an instant saying, “praying!”

Each Day Is A Gift

On November 1st, I took this picture of these zinnias because I knew that the cold was coming. It was going to frost that night and the beautiful flowers would be gone. Growing these wild flowers this past year has been such a joy and a blessing!

Sure enough, the next morning the frost had came! It got the last of these little blessings. But, at least I got one last picture!

Each and every day is a gift, if we knew what was coming, would we have done something different? Would we have said I love you one more time? Or, spent a little more time with those that mean the most?

Time Is Short- How To Be Thankful This Year

What is most important to us? I am working on this. It is so hard these days as we are all pulled in so many directions. I am learning that we can’t be everything to everyone. Prioritizing what is most important can help us balance it all. It can also help us say no to those that are not on our list. And it’s ok to say no. Time is short and it is precious. We have to use it wisely.

Make The Most Of It

Love those loved ones with all that you have while you have them! Spend precious time with them and make memories! Always leave on a happy note. Say your sorry if you need to. Give hugs and tell those that you love just how much you love them.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for everything you have brought me through. Lord, I pray that you would meet each person right where they are. What ever they are facing in their life today please guide them and direct them in your way. Help us as we go through trials and tragedy’s to always find the good that we can be thankful for! Help us to make the most of everyday as we know they are a true gift. We love you in Jesus name, Amen.