Thankful Thursday

I have been thinking about my list and am finding that most of the things I am thankful for today, wouldn't necessarily be on a 'normal' persons list, but they keep me humble and remind me that I could not, not, not live this life without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. I am thankful for the LOUDNESS at 8am. It reminds me that my hearing loss isn't as bad as I think it is. If my ears are ringing from the Hot Wheels crashing, the constant screaming, the bickering over a toy...well, then I still have some precious hearing left. It wasn't long ago that Tim and I discussed that it might be important for me to learn sign language, along with everyone else in our family, soon. Before my hearing is totally gone. It was quite a sad moment for me. A lot of denial. But, this morning, I have decided that I need to be thankful for the hearing I DO have, and pray that God heals my ears, or preserves what I do have.

2. I am thankful for the things I find out about my teenagers that I wish I didn't. Thinking back to how I was at their age can be scary, but helps me to understand them. (Even if they think I have never been through the things they go through, or feel, or wonder about...I wish they knew I did and totally understand them. More than they could ever know.) So, having the Holy Spirit give Tim and I wisdom as parents about things that my teenagers wish to keep from us, but we discover, well it is a blessed thing. Really, it is, because we are able to address the situations before they get out of hand and lead them in another direction and hope they see that we do it out of love, not of trying to ruin their lives. (Remember how if your Mom found out about something you were hiding, and punished you for it, no matter how big or small, it always felt like she was out to destroy you?? I always was such a drama queen and thought my Mom was on earth just to ruin my life. Boy, did I learn quickly, when I became a Mom, that she did it out of love. I realize that my kids probably won't realize this until they become parents, either.) So, as we dealt with some issues this past weekend with both our kids Tim and I stopped first to give glory to God for opening our eyes, for helping us through this. It was just His perfect timing through it all and I pray my children learn a lesson from this that will really touch them in a way that they will never forget. I love those kids more than they could ever, ever know.

3. I am thankful for 'bad news'. I mean, not that I am doing a happy dance over receiving 'bad news', but it helps me to realize that there are bad things happening all around me, and possibly to me, so I then find such comfort seeking the peace that only my Heavenly Father can provide and crying out to Him for help and mercy and direction. It also helps me to see just what a loving, strong, faithful, God fearing husband I have in Tim. He has been a rock to me lately, and I wish I could share the sweet emails or encouraging conversations we share as he lifts me up and reminds me that God would NEVER forsake us. So, God will use anything, anything for HIS glory. He also promises that "...all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

4. Lastly, I am thankful for each ache and pain I have been feeling lately due to the pulled muscle (I will see my Dr today and find out if that is really what it is. It has actually gotten worse.). It reminds me that I am so blessed to be able to feel pain when I walk...that I CAN walk. It reminds me that I have a precious child being fearfully and wonderfully made in my womb. It reminds me that yes, I am older(Not exactly elderly like the doctors say.), but 36 is a great age! I still have a long life ahead of me, I hope. It reminds me that this 'elderly' body has had the privilege of going through 7 pregnancies, and delivering 5 healthy children and hopefully another in June. It reminds me that my body is a temple and that God is using me in miraculous ways to be a mother, by going through pregnancy, and labor, and birth, and nursing my child. How amazing my body is! And if you are a mother too, how amazing your body is! So, don't complain about saggy breasts, or stretch marks, or that belly that is still hanging around...there are so many women that would LOVE to be in your position. Instead, thank God for all those things that serve as a reminder of what a blessing it is to be someone's mommy.

So, yes, all of these are things that could have totally brought me down. Could have kept me in bed wallowing in my pity, but God is so much bigger than all this! What comfort he gives me. So, in all things I will be thankful!! God's Word says:
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:15