Being truly grateful now and always...

I had one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had in my life this past week.  What made it the best?  There were numerous factors to contribute including the fact it was my first time to host one and all of the food turned out beautifully.  I also had the ones I love most right there next to me, and got to spend quality time with them. (something I really don't get to do during the school week!)  My sister was here with Devon, my sweet husband of course, Tasha and Joey came with their mom, and they brought their two little babies.  We watched football after eating, and then played some board games and ate some more.  It was amazing.

Let me say something that may just blow you out of the water right now.

At 24 years old, this was THE FIRST Thanksgiving that I really and honestly understood the importance of just hanging out with family, loving them for who they are, and thanking God for all of the ways He has blessed us.  This was the first time I really thought about the real meaning of why we cook turkey and share it, why we pray together around the food, and how important it is to just sit on the couch and laugh with one another.    I know how cliche it is, but it really got me thinking about how many people and things God has blessed me and my family with.  I then started thinking about how... if God has blessed me with all of these things that I do not deserve rightfully, at any given moment if it was His choice, He could take it all back again.

That's a hard pill to swallow, especially after Thursday.  We are so accustomed to wealth and spoil here in America, that we hardly notice an opportunity for gratitude or encouragement when it arises.  God forbid it should take us all year long until we get to Thanksgiving to truly appreciate the loves in our lives.

 I am so incredibly thankful for my family, friends, and all of the ways God has blessed me.  What an amazing and Mighty Creator.  Thankful for His grace, thankful for his mercy, and so grateful for who He is.