Thankful

Before the family and friends,
Before the turkey,
Before my first Thanksgiving without my Pawpaw,
Before long car rides and laughing children,
Before pumpkin pies and parades,
I pause and say "Thank you".

Thank you, Jesus.
For loving me, even when I'm nose deep in my own sin.
For dying on the cross to offer me salvation and this relationship with You.
For your resurrection and the new life that it gave me.
For the hope of heaven and the way it carries me sometimes.
For your companionship even on lonely days.
For your good plans for my life.
For making my dreams come true this year.
For my two children who I begged you to give me.
For my husband who means the world to me.
For your call to adoption.
For Baby Z, who gives me perspective in life.
For the opportunity to write a devotional book like I've dreamed.
For a warm house on a cold day.
For a job in this difficult economy.
For a church family that loves us.
For the precious family who already called this morning, just because.
For the many ways you bless me that I fail to notice.

Most of all, thank you for love.
Thank you for drawing me close and making your presence known.
I love you, Jesus.

And I am thankful.
So very, very thankful.

P.S. What are you thankful for today, my blog friends?

P.P.S. I am thankful for you!