Happy Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the US. The story goes this is in remembrance of the day the pilgrims sat in peace over dinner with the natives. I don't know how accurate this is, (and I'm sure someone will let me know), but now it is much more than that. The one "holiday" that does not really require gifts, cards or other merchandise. Instead the tradition now is to spend the day with family and ponder on what you have to be thankful for.

We are planning on heading to the hospital in the morning for some quality time with our baby girl, and I can't assuredly say that I am most grateful for the precious gift that she is. In little over a week, Emma has lead us on an incredible journey. To say that you feel special when she fixes those big eyes on you would be an understatement. The same goes for the tiny fingers that wrap half round your pinky!

As I have mentioned previously (ad nauseum!) we truly are grateful for the tough parts of this journey. They have forever altered us as people, parents and Christians. To feel even a little closer to becoming the person God wants you to be through the trials of life is a good feeling, even if the emotions are hard.

Scott quoted a speaker at a recent conference who said "everyone wants a testimony, but they don't want to go through the test! You have to 'moan' through a test, to get a testimony!!" How true! It's okay to be upset about things that happen to you, however if you do not try to learn from it and seek the lesson, you may miss the good that can come from it.

Staying upset, and becoming bitter helps no-one less than you, and that is why I re-focus on those things I am thankful for when I am tempted to dwell on the negative of circumstances. (Sometimes with more luck than others!)

Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, even if you're not in the US, I challenge you to know what you are thankful for. It's a great way to start the day!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-9