Thankful

I've been thinking a lot this week about how very much for which to be thankful! The sermon at church on Sunday was all about thankfulness. One of our pastors taught out of Psalm 136, which is a Psalm of thanks to the Lord for a vast array of reasons, but most of all because His love endures forever (that phrase is repeated 26 times in the Psalm). The enduring love of God is something for which to be forever thankful. I don't know anyone who can more appropriately claim that than the pastor who was teaching... he and his wife have lost three babies ranging in age from 2 hours to 12 months and 2 days. They have two sons today, but I don't know how someone is able to live through that and function once, let alone three times. If they are able to give thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His love endures forever, surely I can!

Then last night, Lil' Lady A's Bible story was about the "Sermon on the Mount." Jesus points out that the birds don't have to stock pile food and lovely flowers don't have to put on pretty clothes and dresses. God takes care of them, but we are even more important to God, so how much more will he take care of us? I am immensely grateful for how God takes care of us. Even when we are a bit careless and don't make all the necessary financial cuts when going from two incomes to one, He provides. We have all our needs met... a roof over our heads, a house that stays cool in sweltering heat, all the food we need, water whenever we want it and clothes on our backs.

Even more than all that stuff though, I am blessed with a fantastic family. My amazing husband is out of town right now, which reminds me even more how very thankful I am for him. Once he gets home from work everyday, he helps with dinner, helps clean up, changes diapers, helps with bath time, plays with our daughter, reads her a bedtime Bible story, and makes sure everything is taken care of while I get Lil' Lady to sleep. He also provides me with great conversation and companionship. I miss him like crazy, and he's only gone one night. I don't know how mamas who have husbands that travel all the time or are in the military do it. I'm so thankful this is a rare occurrence, and I'm thankful for friends who come over to help and provide great company.

Not only do I have a great husband, but we have a darling daughter. I am extremely thankful for her! She is healthy and growing and developing just as she should be. Her little smile and bubbly spirit bring joy to all who meet her. She is sweet as can be and oh so much fun!

I am also thankful for my extended family and friends who provide lots of love and support, even if they live miles and miles away. These are just a few of the things for which I am so thankful, but most of all I am thankful for a God who loves us enough to allow His son to die in our place.

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1