Friday, January 29, 2010

Thanking God on Friday!

I'm a pretty honest person, so I have to say to you that today I'm not feeling very thankful. I know that I should always be thankful to God because He is amazing, but today my heart is hurting. Not really even for me (other than making the hard decision of where to send Caleb to preschool...of course the center we love most, costs the most), but for people around me. There are so many people either just having a rough week or going through some serious issues (newborns in ICU, job loss, grandparents very ill, etc). My heart aches for them today and I'm trying to remember to be thankful through the aches.

Like I said, God is amazing. I know that He's taking these trials and will be putting them to good use. Through all of this going on around me I do see people praying together, bonding and lifting up one another, people growing closer to Christ...all of this good.

So, in the midst of all of this I will want to be thankful:

~ I am thankful that my children really do listen to me when I try and teach them manners and how to be polite to and grateful of others. Last night as we were leaving a friend's house Caleb turned to one of the little girls who lives there and said "Thanks for having me over." It was so genuine, unsolicited, and sweet.

~ I am thankful that my big Stampin Up! order arrived. I was finally able to purchase an entire ink pad set and now I can really get stamping. This way I'll be able to make cards to send to people as a pick-me-up...that makes me happy.

~ I am thankful for God's Word. There are so many verses that can be used to reinforce His protection and love for us...in order to get us through these tough times, to lift us up, to encourage us that there is a greater purpose even if we can't see it. He IS Amazing!

12 comments:

J.J. said...

Sorry that your heart is heavy today. We talked about similar issues at my small group study at church Wednesday. Hard stuff. We are studying Fearless - Max Lucado. We just started, I'll let you know how it goes. hugs to you!!!

Unknown said...

I love that you are ever-so thankful in the midst of sorrow.

~Becca

Kelli W said...

I love polite kids! I love when a kiddo says please or yes m'am without being told to do so! I hope next week is a better one for you and for all of your friends going through such tough times!

Joanna said...

It is so hard to be so thankful when your down. I will say a prayer for you and I am sending hugs from down south!

Miller Racing Family said...

Bless your heart. It is so hard to see our friends hurting.
I am glad you did the thankful list as it is always one of my favorite posts. Caleb is such a sweet boy, you should be so proud of him.
Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

So sorry that you have people close to you going through so much right now. It's hard to remain thankful during those times. Sounds like you are doing a good job. I hope you have a restful weekend!

Angie said...

I'm so sorry that you are bummed out today...I'll keep you and your friends and family in my prayers this weekend.

dining room table said...

I bet it is hard to wake up with a heavy heart. I hope everything is going to be okay! God works in mysterious ways.

Kim3278 said...

It is so hard to be thankful amidst so much angst but a window is always open. I have to remind myself of that every day. Be thankful that you are a strong enough person and believer to admit your doubt.

I love good maners too. I love teaching my kids manners and elates me when they as well are genuine in there actions.

Blessings
Kim

KTW said...

I've had that kind of day...when circumstances were doing their best to make my outlook bleak. You have the right idea. Focus on those blessings. :)

Sugarplum Creations Blog said...

Sometimes it's hard to be completely thankful when there are so many heart-breaking things going on around us. Of course we know that God is using these trials to bring us closer to Him, but it hurts, nonetheless. Hugs ♥

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

I might have read this on a Monday, but it was sure applicable for me today. Thank you for the reminder. God does have a plan and He does pull us near to Him.