A Reason to be Thankful

 The past few weeks have been particularly difficult for me. This morning, as I was bemoaning my situation to the Lord, He reminded of His grace in my life and how I take it for granted. Humbled, I began thanking God for His blessings.

I thanked Him for giving me the ability to write and then doubly blessing me by giving me an outlet for it. It is icing on the cake that I sometimes get paid to do it. So many people are working at unfulfilling, burdensome jobs, while I am in my own home, sipping coffee, listening to my children play outside, and writing what are essentially fun little puzzles for school children to solve.

Recently, I have been given the opportunity to edit. Besides the obvious income benefit which will provide braces for two of my children, it has been stretching and challenging. Now, I really appreciate what my editor, Gayle, has been doing for years and years. It also renews my love of writing, because I realize I can write my own stories in just a little bit more time than it takes me to edit some of the more difficult stories I have worked on, and have lots more fun! I’m not complaining. It just helps me keep everything in perspective.

Most of all, I am thankful for the gift of the Gayle’s friendship. We’ve worked together for 21 years now. In all those years, we have supported one another, prayed for each other, and have been an encouraging force in the backgrounds of each others lives. I cannot remember a cross word ever coming between us, although I’m sure I have frustrated her by not being the best at meeting deadlines. Add that to the fact that she is one of the rare people who has invited my entire family of ten over for a 4-day retreat and actually seemed happy to have us there! She is one very special person, and I am blessed to be her friend.

So, as the Thanksgiving season approaches, I am determined to be more thankful. Each day, I will remind myself of the wonders of God’s goodness and grace in my life. I am confident I will never run out of things for which to be thankful.