A Giving of Thanks...

During this month of November, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts from my friends on Facebook who have participated in the "30 Days of Thanksgiving" by posting something they are thankful for each day. It is so important to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our hearts, just as it is equally important to ponder and remember what God has done in the past (lest we forget His favor and goodness).

Six months or so ago, I accepted a challenge to begin counting everyday gifts. This proved to be such a profound exercise in reshaping how I viewed day to day life with all its ups and downs. More importantly, however, was how I began to see God's unending care for me. In this process, I believe that my heart was opened in a new way. I was able to allow God into those areas of my heart that I had kept sealed shut because of fear and mistrust.

To give all thanks to God is where we find true joy in Him. It is not circumstantial. Let's face it, life is full of heart-wrenching things. There are some things that we will experience this side of heaven that will be so painful, the last thing we might feel like doing is giving thanks. These things - the things that I don't understand, the things that bring tears-hot, the things that leave me speechless, gasping for breath - I call the ugly beautiful.

The things I see as ugly, mournful, God will make beautiful in His time (To console those who mourn...To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:3a). The things that seem harsh and hopeless will eventually be transformed (“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor [trouble] a door of hope." Hosea 2:14-15a).

So, here are some November entries from my gratitude journal:

Precious reminders and saying I love you (and meaning it)
Jaden Elliot - 11 years old today
Leaving work early on a Friday for a birthday celebration
Disneyland with the boys, my brother and my mom :)
Laughter and the making of memories
Car washes in the rain
Hands that mourn still being raised
God's Word and His promises
People being the hands and feet of Jesus
Not having to set the alarm
Slumber parties and silliness
The people that God has given me to walk with <3
Rain that washes away the impurities
The gift of my job - even working on the weekend (I love going to work each day)
Worship
A warm mug of coffee cupped by cold hands
The rustling of leaves on a blustery day
Receiving Rosetta Stone in the hopes of acquiring Espanol
Christmas music
Vacation and a time of renewal
Hearing Glenn and Gavin laughing and talking (even if they are keeping me up :)
This time of year
Time to read
Mushy text messages and feeling loved
My Bible study group
Packing for two days in San Diego with my mom
The rare quiet evening

And the ugly beautiful:

The loss of a child
Broken relationships that have yet to be reconciled
Selfishness that wounds others

What are you thankful for this day?