I mentioned in a recent post about the healing nature of gratitude. It is no doubt that the Lord commands us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) for it truly aids in gaining proper perspective on any situation. (Click HERE for more Scripture on giving thanks.) Keeping with verse 18, no wonder it is "God's will for [us] in Christ Jesus", for it can be a means of our kind Father imparting grace and peace to us in a time when we feel overwhelmed or find ourselves in - as Anne Shirley would ever so dramatically articulate - "the depths of despair." 
My purpose of this post is to hopefully start something that I will do on a weekly basis - once again, I don't want to sound selfish - but for the good of my own soul. I want to make Thursday's Thanksgivings a time each week where I mention something that I am grateful for. Similar to Scripture Memory Mondays, I thought that this would serve as a form of accountability - a way to keep my often overwhelmed or just plain ungrateful heart in check - especially if I knew I was going to be posting about something for which to give thanks. Whether anyone reads it or not (I know my mom will...and probably my friend Melanie ;), I think this will benefit me greatly. So no matter what I am facing each week, I know that on Thursdays I will have to stop and ponder long enough on being thankful that I have to write about it. Hopefully this will help me live out God's will for me in regard to His First Thessalonians command. And if I feel I am running out of things to write, then I will just dig deeper. I can see this being nothing but beneficial for me, for at times my countenance all too similarly reflects the words of my sweet John David .... "I'm just sad."
So to kick off Thursday's Thanksgivings, I will type my first lines of gratitude...
Just today, I mentioned to someone, "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have family in town." Truly, I have not a clue. I think back a little over a year ago, and where we thought we'd be at this time, and it looks nothing like the present. (Click HERE if you are unsure of where we were a little over a year ago.) But, of course, the Lord knew His plan for us and exactly what we would need during each moment of it. We did not foresee autism, nor child #2, in our future, but of course, our wise Father was already holding those things in His hand, as well as the grace to see us through each day. For that, we are so grateful. Of course, we are thankful for our precious second child; and I can honestly say that we are thankful for autism...all that the Lord has taught us through our precious John David and the circumstances surrounding his unique little life - oh, I cannot begin to articulate!
To summarize, today I am thankful for my family so near...to love me (in close proximity - it helps on those hardest days to have the hug of a mother or a kiss on the cheek from a daddy;), to encourage me, and to help with our children (which also helps on those hard days:). Furthermore, I am thankful for God's providence; His timing is perfect, and what He allots to each of us is only that which is for our greatest good and His greatest glory. He could do no different; if he did, He would completely defy His character - which, praise the Lord - is unchanging (yet another cause for thanks!)
As Charles Spurgeon stated: "If God ordains it, the worst calamity is the wisest and kindest thing that could befall me." Thank you for the reminder, Bro. Spurgeon! (Click HERE for more thoughts on this truth.)
Just sitting here typing, trying to put my thoughts into words, I have already reaped some of the priceless benefits of gratitude. Those of you who may actually read this, I hope that you will join me in taking time - at least once a week - to truly ponder that for which we can be thankful. If we stop and think.... my goodness, we have so much!
5 comments:
Great post! Of course you can count on me to read the blog. ;) I know that I am so thankful to have you as a friend - your words are always so encouraging to me, and you have helped me deepen my walk with Christ in so many ways! Thank you for the reminder to stop and think about all that I have to be thankful for! (and I'm saying all this while being serenaded by the music you linked to - most definitely one of my all time favorites too!) Love!
I just wanted to let you know that you have many readers out there. I have found your blog through a friend of a friend and I love reading your posts and pictures of your sweet children!
the music of Anne brought back so many memories of you and me. Days of Apron Dress, braids and tie up boots. Days of lunch pails and playing with the Jackson gals...Days of remembering how thankful i am that when I wasn't ready for another baby yet, God knew I needed you. Now you are my bosom friend, my really kindred spirit and the thankfulness I have today to have been able to share this past year with you and my grandchildren was something I would have never asked for but He in His great love and grace granted it anyway. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. I love you my Katie and when I am expressing thanks you are at the top of my list.
Thank you so much for the great reminder and encouragement to stop and be thankful. We indeed have just so very much to be thankful for and Satan loves to make us forget that.
I always love reading your Godly and encouraging words. Love the photos too! I can't get over how mcuh Claire has seemed to change in the photos from last month to this month - so much more personality! She is so precious and I can't wait to hold her! Love and miss you guys!
Katie,
I have in my devotion this morning how there are angles aroung us.Heb. 13:2
I know one when I see you. You are being such a wonderful mother and friend to all who know you.
Thank you for giving us a word from God each day. I love your writings and look forward to each day.
Love you so much and those babies are precious to us.
Billie
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