I choose thankfulness daily. This year, my Thanksgiving will not be what I expected. The holiday scenario I had in mind failed to launch. But I have learned to ride the wave that God creates for my life instead of pouting that my idea does not match His plan.
Another round of healing is happening. A setback in my movement toward better health last week requires rest. My plan for this week would have been aborted as a result and so disappointment was averted. Instead, I count my blessings:
- My health is dramatically improved this year. I was able to end my medication for diabetes type 2 and use appropriate diet and exercise instead.
- God provides for all my needs. The resources to live and publish my writing are continuing, with a plan to provide services to other independent authors to fund my future.
- God called me to a church plant in my area, Gateway Houston, with the launch scheduled the end of January. Building relationships with our team continues; many helped me pray for my dear friend who underwent emergency surgery this week. I am excited about what God is going to do with and through this new church.
- My siblings all got together this summer at my brother’s home. We were all reminded of how blessed we are to have healthy, happy relationships with one another. The broken family of origin has grown into a network of love and blessing. Our active text thread reveals our closeness; my mother would be very proud of her adult children.
- Blessed as well are my relationships with my sons, daughters in love, and my grandchildren. I would like to see them all more in person, but the love we share over technology feeds our family ties. When I think about eternity with them all, I am content with what is for now.
- Friendships that began years ago continue to flourish. One of my closest friends and I are helping one another with our publishing careers. Encouragement can be hard to come by these days, but we get together regularly and challenge each other to keep moving forward. Another friend gleans wisdom from my life; we share some common soul wounds and what God has done for me helps us both.
- My confidence for my future is based on the promises God gave me beginning more than 30 years ago. What He said then will come to pass. My best days are before me and I know His plan is best and will come to fruition in His time, the perfect time.
Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
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