I am Thankful

When I put my girls to sleep at night and pray over them, I always have a great sense of urgency to be the kind of woman that I pray for them to become. And I want them to be women who "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances." So as I am at a season of life in which uncertainty, chaos, and exhaustion abound, I realize that I have a great chance to choose gratitude over despair.

I am thankful.

I am thankful for a godly man who is deeply committed to being a faithful husband and father, who works hard to provide for his family, who walks in integrity and humility, and who dares not rush into important decisions without taking the time to seek God's wisdom.

I am thankful for a spirited 3 year old who never stops talking, never stops questioning, never stops learning...who is affectionate and honest, who sings her entire life, who throws me for a loop and drives me to my knees every day, but no matter what conflicts arise during the day, who always wants me to sit on her bed and sing her to sleep at night.

I am thankful for a precious, easy-going almost-toddler who is a curious george, who loves dogs and fisher price little people, who crawls at breakneck speed and is starting to stand on her own, who doesn't know how to take a bottle or a sippy cup, who still doesn't sleep through the night, who always greets me with the sweetest smile and open arms.

Yes, my life is full, even when things are not going as I planned, even when I feel completely out of control. But my life is not full just because of my precious family. My life is full because of the Creator of my precious family. The Creator who loves and restores my bent soul, who satisfies my thirst, who covers me with grace and righteousness. The Provider who does not change. The Savior who does not condemn, if only I believe.

So when I feel homeless, I will find refuge in Him.

And when I feel frustrated, I will rest in Him.

And when I feel exhausted, I will fall on Him.

And when I feel unsure, I will call on Him.

And when I feel out of control, I will cling to Him.

Because HE is my all in all.

Yes, I am thankful.

P.S. I am also extremely thankful for peanut butter and brown sugar melted together in the microwave. (Every single night.) And for boot camp, baseball caps, indoor plumbing, and cast iron cookware. 

Amen.