I've mentioned before that it's been a rough year around here. Health issues, financial issues, church issues...in many ways, I'm simply thankful that 2009 is drawing to a close.
But my gratitude goes so much deeper than that.
I am grateful for a Savior who never deserts me, never forsakes me...who walks with me each step of my day, who knows my pain and my joy better than I do myself.
I am thankful for my family.
For a husband who supports and encourages me.
For a daughter who's love of creating mirrors my own, who's delight in creating mirrors her Creators and who continues to astound me daily with her insight and maturity.
For a son who is so full of life that he has to wake me up at 5:45 to tell me his hand is asleep...who makes us laugh and makes us cry and still loves to snuggle as a rather large seven and a half year old.
For parents who are always there, no matter what I need. For a mother-in-law that I treasure. For grandparents that continue to be my role models and cheerleaders all at the same time. For brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews, for aunts and uncles...for the tapestry of people that create this family I love and miss so dearly.
I am thankful this year for the opportunity and the ability to homeschool my children. It certainly hasn't been easy. There have been days that I was ready to pack them up and send them off to school...but ultimately, I know we've made the right decision and I see that every day. I'm thankful that I have this chance to educate not just their minds, but their hearts as well.
I am thankful for the choices we've made all along to live simply. While I've continually had to find ways to make our budget stretch further and further, I am thankful that we've never lived extravagantly or far beyond our means.
I am thankful for the call God has placed on my heart to be a homemaker. There is no higher calling that I could aspire to than to make my home a haven for my family. I find great joy in creating and serving meals that nourish and encourage health. And I'm thankful for the desire God has given me to learn about nutrition, especially as it's looking like at least part of my health issues are food related.
Finally, I am thankful for oh-so-many friends...those that we share our lives with on a daily basis and those that are far away. I'm grateful for the encouragement and prayers, for the friendship and for the support.
2009 has been a rough year, it's true.
But it's also been a year full of God's love, shown in so many different ways and faces.
I am truly thankful.
Recent Comments