A Heart of Thanks

You know you hear this at this particular time of the year and all that comes to my mind is blah, blah, blah, blah. However, I've discovered a new book series recommended by my mom, Yada Yada Group and finished the first one this weekend.

In this book, a group of 12 women from every kind of background are brought together in a prayer group at a women's conference. Without giving away the story (because I'm hoping you'll read it), it talks about thanking God when we pray. We should always take the time give God thanks.

Amazingly enough, this past Sunday, I visited a new church with my family and the message talked a little about thanks. It talked about thanking God for everything regardless of our circumstance.

I'll be quite honest this past week or actually the last few have been quite tough on our family. Rick has been working a lot of hours at work due to being short-staffed. Grey is all boy, 2.5 years old and his behavior is reflecting those characteristics. I'm working 12 - 15 hour days to help us on our DR plan and dealing with Grey. Of course, Rick and I talk throughout the day and at the end of my day to discuss what is going on. Rick tries to step in as much as possible but it is difficult when you work from 9 am to midnight.

On top of this, a week ago today, we had to put one of our companions down. Monet was the youngest of four. She was the talker in our family, Grey's favorite, and the most animated dog I have ever met. Rick happened to be off last week and boy, was I thankful. We made the decision together and were there during her final moments.

So this past week, as I continue to grieve, had to explain to a 2.5 year old that one of our dogs was gone, questionable behavior and Rick informing me that he has to work 7 days this week. Well, it is definitely quite easy to say, God this is not fair and why? Why? Why? Woe is me.

Instead what I found myself doing is being more thankful when I'm in the car and with Rick. I've let him know by saying thank you that he has gotten up to go to work. I don't say these things for credit because it is not about that. It is about being thankful for what God has truly blessed us with not just at Thanksgiving but all year.

God provided us extra money this month and we thought we would spend it on Christmas gifts. Instead we took care of Monet and did a very humantiarian gesture in her final moments. Rick had time off and had other plans. Instead he was needed here at home.

God blessed us to be able to pay our delinquent childcare bill this month and we enter December with a credit. The first time since Grey has been at daycare we have a credit and we are current since I lost my job this past March.

God has provided me with a family who is helping out with Grey and preparing a Thanksgiving meal. He has allowed us to have and keep our necessities during this difficult economic turmoil our country is facing.

The list is endless.

My challenge to you is that you thank God. Regardless of circumstance and I truly mean regardless, thank God first from your heart and your perspective on how to deal with things will be changed. Things do not seem as stressful and there is truly light at the end of the tunnel.

So, have you truly thanked God lately?