Thankfulness

It's that time of year--when my thoughts turn to thankfulness even more so than usual.  I am by nature a very thankful and grateful person.  I reflect on all the blessings that God has given to me and I thank Him constantly--I really do.  It's funny though--even the smallest thing can set off deep emotions of gratitude--a leaf floating to the ground, a rosebud, a small little chickadee sitting on a branch outside my window.  And I am thankful for big things too, although it's those small things that can bring tears to my eyes.  They are tiny little gifts from God--small things that some never even acknowledge.  I see them.  The little things.  I guess that's how God made me.  A seer of the smaller things in life--of the little things that most walk right on by without ever looking--but I look.  I see them.  And I want Him to know that--I want Him to know how much I love, appreciate and acknowledge all He does for me.  Even the small things.

I could sit and make a list of all the blessings in my life, I guess that would be easy.  But, I'd rather just share my feelings about those gifts--those blessings.  I'd rather tell you how I feel.  How thankfulness began for me, even as a small child, how He literally saved me from a living hell on earth.  A child's nightmare, one full of fear.  He rescued me--so why wouldn't I be thankful?  He is a superhero--to this child at least, He is my savior.

I can look back and in my mind's eye--my memory, I can see how His hand was on my life from the very beginning.  He is my father and He has never let me forget it.  I have always felt Him near--protecting me, shielding me, nurturing me, loving me.  I've always known that He is able to do anything, anytime, anywhere--I've never doubted His power--I've just accepted it as part of His character.  In my heart of hearts I've always felt His love for me--never wavering, ever.

Thankful?  Yes, I am thankful.  How could I not be thankful?  And how could I not acknowledge the God who created me, loved me, provided for me, counseled me--how could I not be thankful?  That wouldn't make any sense to me.  To live a life of ungratefulness?  No, not me.  Not ever.

So, I live each and every day with praise, adoration, gratefulness, thankfulness and with a true appreciation
for what God has done and for what God will do in my life.  I know that I know that He is able to do all things.  I know that I know that He loves me.  I can sit back and chill out, I can relax, I can leave it all up to Him.  He has complete control over my life, and that's just how I like it.


And what is my part in all this?  Well, I pretend that I am 6 years old again, and as I look up at this great big father/God--I hold tightly to His hand.  I keep my eyes on His face, I keep in step with His guidance, I never let go, and I skip through life--smiling, trusting, happy, and carefree because I know that He will always take care of me.  No matter what is in the future for me--He will be there holding my hand--like the Father He is.  Maybe that is that child-like faith we are supposed to have, the tiny grain of faith that is the size of a mustard seed.  Faith equals thankfulness for me.  I will walk in faith--the faithfulness of God.

That's what I will be thinking of on Thanksgiving Day--as I spend the weekend with family and friends--I'll be thinking about Him.

Thankfulness--it's in my heart forever.