Sometimes I have to pinch myself, remind myself that this is my life. Is it too cliché to write a blog about gratitude on Thanksgiving? Is it over done? Well I don’t think you can ever be too grateful or say it enough. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. If I don’t write about it, I might explode.
As I write this I am sitting in the student center at Portland Community College. I am a student! Something I never thought I would be able to do again. I have my ipod in listening to Christmas music by one of my favorite Christian bands. What happened to the big hair bands of the 80’s? I don’t know, but I prefer Christian music these days. Weird for sure! I have an amazing day planed for tomorrow with my family, movie, turkey, and laughter, a vast contrast from two years ago. I am a new person, a new creation, being transformed continuously. It’s scary and very exciting!
Two Thanksgivings ago I was alone. Because of choices I had made I was alone in every sense of the word. I stayed home Thanksgiving day, not because I had no place to go, but because I didn’t want to be with any one. I rented six movies, bought lots of wine, closed the blinds, and buried myself under the covers. I didn’t know I had a creator, a Heavenly father who totally, unconditionally and completely loves me. I didn’t know—me personally!
This year I know that, and that changes everything! Jesus changes everything! And HE is changing me. He is directing my steps. He is teaching me perfectly. He can do that because HE created me He knows how I tic, how I learn. He knows how to love me because He made me. He is perfect and loves me perfectly. He is faithful, He keeps His word. He is patient and just. He listens with anticipation to what I have to say. He is jealous for me. He wants my attention, all my heart.
This Thanksgiving I am having dinner with my family. Everyone is bringing something for the dinner, appetizer, rolls etc. I am bringing the drinks. But my hope is that I bring more than that. My hope is that I bring the love of Jesus that is filling me up and overflowing. Not because of what I have done but because of all that He has done and continues to do in me.
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for not just anything but for the best gift ever, my salvation and love from the Lord, My King!
Happy Thanksgiving Family!
Love you all!
