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 God has given 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 chickadee sitting on a branch outside my window.  And I am thankful for big things, too, though it's those small things that 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 can 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, gratitude, thankfulness, and a true appreciation for what God has done and will do in my life.  I know that He can 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.