thankful
Sometimes I wonder why in the world the Lord has given me this life. It does not seem right or natural to allow someone to be as blessed as I am. I do not say that to make it seem as though my life is perfect and I have everything I want. But I do say that to say that I have everything I need and more. The Lord has truly given me so much to be grateful for that I am at times overwhelmed with gratitude.
On Thanksgiving morning, I woke up with a heavy heart. This was, after all, the first time I would be without my family on Thanksgiving Day. It was also the first time that I would have to work on a major holiday. Needless to say, I was not really happy about it. So I cried a little, but then I resolved that it was going to be a good day. The Lord reminded me of Psalm 118:24, which says, "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." So I decided I would rejoice. I pulled out my journal and started thanking Him for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me, and once I got started, I could not stop! The day at school was a little harried but good nonetheless. We ate a little feast and watched Charlie Brown. I told my kids all about what I would have been doing if I were with my family. These activities included staying in my pajamas all day, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and whatever Christmas movies were on TV, eating to my heart's content, talking with family, etc. The list could go on forever.
This Thanksgiving has been super special, albeit different from any prior Thanksgiving. Tanya and I went over to another missionary family's house for dinner on Thursday, which was lovely. There was laughter and good food and games. Such a blessing. Then yesterday after school, I went over to one of my student's/pastor's house. (My student's father is the pastor of my church.) When I told my kids about staying in my PJs all day, Quincy (my favorite and only fourth grade girl and hostess last night) told her mom, who said that I was welcome to come in my PJs. So on the way to their house we made a stop by my house and I changed into my comfy sweat pants. It was a great choice. And once again, there was laughter, good food, and games, not to mention the new Karate Kid with Jaden Smith. ;) And today? Well, today, I've just lounged around in my PJs. And boy has it felt good. On Monday night I have one last feast with friends. Mexicans and Americans coming together to celebrate and eat and be merry. Life is good, friends. Celebrate this holiday season, because He is worth celebrating.
On Thanksgiving morning, I woke up with a heavy heart. This was, after all, the first time I would be without my family on Thanksgiving Day. It was also the first time that I would have to work on a major holiday. Needless to say, I was not really happy about it. So I cried a little, but then I resolved that it was going to be a good day. The Lord reminded me of Psalm 118:24, which says, "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." So I decided I would rejoice. I pulled out my journal and started thanking Him for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me, and once I got started, I could not stop! The day at school was a little harried but good nonetheless. We ate a little feast and watched Charlie Brown. I told my kids all about what I would have been doing if I were with my family. These activities included staying in my pajamas all day, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and whatever Christmas movies were on TV, eating to my heart's content, talking with family, etc. The list could go on forever.