The turkey has been served, dishes washed, and leftovers tucked into the fridge. Hopefully we all found something to be thankful for, and enjoyed time with family and friends. As for my family, we were not able to get together due to circumstances, but thanks to cell phones and face time, we were able to communicate and share the day. For the first time ever, it was only me and my husband sharing Thanksgiving dinner, but we did so with thankful hearts.
This year, though full of challenge and frustration at times, has been filled with blessings as well. Our youngest daughter and her family were able to purchase a home. We were blessed with a great-grandson who arrived two months early and weighed only three pounds. He also needed surgery due to his intestines not developing completely. He was sent to a children’s hospital three hours away from home and it was heart-rending to hear of his improvement one day and problems arising the next. It was two months before he was able to undergo the surgery, then another month of recovery before they were able to bring him home. Today, at three months and nine days old, he is doing well and thriving, weighing eight pounds and three ounces. What a traumatic time for his young parents and all of us, but a blessing we give thanks for every day.
Our oldest daughter had some health issues which led to ear surgery just last week. So far she is doing well. Our son has had to deal with employment issues recently, but has a positive outlook for the future. To say God is good all the time is an understatement. Right now, I am dealing with Shingles. (One reason we were unable to be together for Thanksgiving). Believe me, it is painful. If you are over 50 and have had chickenpox, get the shingles vaccine if possible. You don’t want to deal with this. The Lord will see me through it, but trust me, it often takes more than ten days to heal.
Let’s face it, we are in a world of hurt. But let’s also remember, there is One that has overcome the world…and He is constantly working in the lives of those who have put our trust in Him and through Him all things are possible. It’s true the devil is working overtime, he has to, but we know who wins in the end, so we must muddle through and fight him at every turn. A better day is coming and we have much reason to rejoice and be thankful always.
Philippians 4: 1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord… 4 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice! 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen