Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hello, friends! Happy Thanksgiving to you!

I know this day can be a really difficult day. For some (and we're in this bunch this year) it's a reminder of those you won't get to spend the day with. For some it's a reminder of answers to prayers you hoped to be thankful for...but you're still waiting, and it's hard to muster up the thanks. For some, you're just not feeling well, and you wish you felt so much better.

So many reasons it can be a hard day, and for those of you struggling, I send big hugs and offer a prayer for strength and special grace for this day.

I do want to share some things I'm thankful for, though.

* I shared this one a few days ago, but I'm still thankful, so I'm sharing it again. I'm thankful my dog bite is healing and though it's annoying and slows me down some, it seriously could have been SO much worse, and I'm grateful it was not. I'm also thankful to have married a guy with health care skills who has taken masterful care of me.

* I'm thankful for the almost nine years of marriage Ryan and I have enjoyed. I happened to notice that nine years ago yesterday, Ryan and I were doing wedding crafts (assembling our printed programs, which were 16 pages long each) and packing for our wedding and honeymoon. We packed a whole week early, which turned out to be a blessing, because the final countdown days were crazy busy! I love reminiscing about our wedding on these days each year, and I am so thankful for not just that day but all the days in all the years that have followed.

* I'm thankful that this week we were able to pick up Ryan's dad's snow blower, which we're borrowing for the second year in a row. It is such a blessing when we have to clear the parking lot. Did it twice by hand last year and don't want to do it again if we can help it! We are thankful for his generosity in loaning it out each winter. 

* I'm thankful that Ryan and I were able to join a small group through our church. Being an active part of anything within the church is a challenge because of the schedule constraints of our job. This was a huge step for us, and we are thankful to already have new friends because of it. 

* I'm thankful for cozy Christmas lights. I love sitting in our apartment each evening - even if I'm working and not resting - and soaking in the pretty atmosphere! I really do love the glow from the trees!

* I'm thankful for God's sustaining grace through this past year. We've had a lot of work-related challenges as we try to find the best rhythm for WillowBridge. Each tenant who comes in has a different personality and different needs, so it's a process of learning each person and trying to help the best we can. We've had joys and sorrows, but we're grateful for God's faithfulness! 

* I'm thankful for you who come here each day to read along and to encourage us with your words. We are so thankful for all of you! :) 

Much love today!

Bekah