Thank You, Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! What a strange day it will be for most of you, I'm sure, and I know some of you are really struggling with changes or flat out cancellations to your gatherings. Sending you a big virtual hug today and hoping you can find good things to appreciate about this day.

Ryan and I are cooking our own Thanksgiving meal, and we are so excited about it. A couple of nights ago, I sat down and wrote out a very detailed list of what needs to be cooked when - and all the recipes, too, so they're easy to get to when it's time to cook. Can't. Wait. 

But since it is Thanksgiving, I thought I would pause to give thanks for God's goodness this year. 

I started to list bullet points of things I'm thankful for, but I deleted them, because it isn't about pointing out all the things that went right this year. It's been far too difficult a year for far too many. Sometimes reading what went right for someone else when they didn't go right for you can do more harm than good. Besides, you hang out here enough to know what I'm thankful for in the bullet point category.

But I'm oh so very thankful for God's creative provision in such unexpected ways this year. I've been trying to be more aware of how He works in things we too often miss, because we're only looking at the big things.

Here are some examples that come to mind...

After having such a rough start with the dental office we tried after our move, I called my old dentist to see if I could get some insight on my dental weirdness that would help make the transition smoother for me. In the course of the conversation I learned that my beloved dental assistant at that former office is able to take me back. On my last visit with her, she told me she was moving into a new role and wouldn't be able to see me anymore even if I continued going there. They told me she is serving in that role, but only part time, and she's seeing patients again. I can go back. I wanted to cry with joy when I hung up from that call! I never expected to be able to go back, and it's a blessing for my dentally-anxious heart.

As I sat here in my spot on the couch, looking around at our cozy apartment and Christmas decorations, I felt a surge of gratitude for this home we get to enjoy. I'm still a real estate listing addict, so I've caught right up on what homes cost in this darling little town we live in. Everything (even the itty bitty houses) I've seen so far has been way out of our price range. What a blessing it is that we have this little apartment in all its comfort. Sure, we sometimes hear noises throughout the building, but it doesn't bother us. We are just thankful beyond words to have a place beyond anything we could afford.

We have not one, but TWO babies in this building, and they both bring such joy to my heart. I love seeing their little face light up when I say hi to them. I love watching them figure out new skills (jumping, waving, and "dada" are king around here these days). I love it that both their moms let them hang out with me now and then so I can get a cute baby fix. I had a rough afternoon the other day, and getting to rock one of them to sleep that night was the perfect medicine. 

After years of serving heartily in church, we've found ourselves in a season where we aren't able to commit to serving. Our schedule is too unpredictable to be available at routine times, so this isn't a time where we can lead a small group or join any committees. (Plus, you know...pandemic.) For now, we're simply learners in church. And I'm grateful for this season. I love serving, but I also love the chance to sit and learn. Its' a gift.

Nature is stunning in this little town. Ryan and I have taken more walks since we moved here than we ever have before (and we took lots of walks before!) - and the scenery is amazing. We get to see gorgeous flowers, beautiful sunsets, majestic horses, and all of them give my heart a chance to worship. I'm so thankful for it all.

On and on it goes. So much to be thankful for in such a strange year. 

I'm grateful today. I'm grateful for our little Thanksgiving for two and for the food God has allowed us to enjoy - and healthy versions of it at that. I'm grateful for this place and our marriage. I'm grateful God works in details like dentists and babies and sunsets.

And I'm grateful for all of you who leave such encouraging notes here. You're a gift, too!

Happy Thanksgiving!