Thankful? At Thanksgiving? And a few additional thoughts.

"She thought about everything she wanted to say to God, and it always started with, Thank you."

This is my desk calender quote of the day. It got me thinking about how blessed I am and how often I forget to be thankful. I get so worked-up about school, grading, running, softball, and other things that tend to use a lot of my time. I focus on how busy I am. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I honestly don't think I have thought about giving thanks. I am too focused on whether I want to use my China or regular dishes. How will I do the place settings? Do I even want to have place settings? It's been a while since I stopped and thought about the blessings the Lord has showered on me. So here it is. My list of of blessings (in no particular order).

1. Chris- my husband is my best friend. He makes me smile and he makes me coffee. Two very important things. He also has taken care of me while I recover from a recent surgery. I am so blessed.

2. Sharon and Becky- these two ladies get me through the school day. They keep me positive and keep me sane. They also shop with me. :)

3. Katie and Casey- I don't know what I would do without my two best friends. They know me better than anyone (other than Chris, of course). I miss them terribly, but am thankful for the phone chats!

4. My momma- she loves me- unconditionally- which is hard. She also gives good advice. I should listen more often.

5. And I can't say my momma without mentioning my daddy. And yes, I call him daddy. I am just like him. Of course, I only hope I can be as giving as he is.

6. My job- I complain, but I love it.

7. My church family. For obvious reasons. :D

8. My dog, Dixie- she loves me. Even when I push her away because she is licking me too early in the morning, she always comes back for more. I wish I could love like her...

9. West Lafayette- yes, the whole town. I love it. I love the people, the atmosphere, and my life here. I love my life in general, but I really love living here. Being able to move has been a bigger blessing than I could have every imagined.

10. My health. As always. Especially as I hear of others my age who are suffering. I am blessed.

11. My faith and the people everyday who encourage it.

12. My new black boots. They're super cute. And I got them for 70% off.

13. My students, and all of the things they teach me.

14. Being able to run- even though the doctor has me resting for three weeks.

15. My Under Armour running Capri's. They are awesome.

16. Our Element.The box car. I love it.


* I started this post yesterday, with plans to add today. I wanted time to think about all I was thankful for. But I didn't add. It's the same as when I stopped writing yesterday.
After softball practice yesterday I called my mom as always. She informed me that my dad, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, was being recommended for further testing. That didn't sound too bad. I mean, I have had further testing with different things. The more questions I asked, the more reality set in. This could be serious. Like this could be really, really serious. Or it could be nothing but diabetes (not that diabetes isn't serious itself, but compared to the options...). I didn't know what else to do but cry. And so I did. I don't think I have been that scared in a while. Once I got off the phone I just sat down on the couch. I didn't really know what to do. And then I asked the questions that I have so often answered for others: "Why is God doing this to my family? Why could this even be an option? My parents are good people. My dad doesn't deserve this." I have answered it before, but I couldn't answer it now. It was different. It was real. I began questioning God's motives. I tend to expect the worst and especially with this. Not that my dad has been diagnosed with anything- but just the fact that they're testing him for conditions so serious terrifies me.

On my way to school this morning I was thinking about my dad. I was thinking about how I would get through the next few weeks not knowing what's going on. And then I heard a song. I don't remember who it was by or what it was called, but it talked about the "God of perfect Peace." And I thought, "Duh. The God of perfect Peace. Why am I running from him now? Why am I irritated now? Why am I not running to him? Why am I not seeking his peace? The peace that passes all human understanding?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed to have faith. I needed to be hopeful and stop expecting the worst. I needed God. I needed his peace.

And so here I am... trusting. Or trying to. And so I reflect on my thankfulness of yesterday, and I realize that maybe I am not thankful enough for the PEOPLE in my life. Black boots? Seriously. I mean I do really like them, but why am I not focusing on those things that cannot be replaced. And place settings? What is happening to me? Why am I not more thankful for the people who have made me and continue to make me who I am? I focus on material things so much. I want this and I want that. And in the end- who cares? These "things" mean nothing when it comes down to it. They are pointless.

I pray for all of you, my 11 readers, that this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, are able to see the beauty in your life. That you are able to see and appreciate the people that God has blessed you with. And that your families are healthy and happy.

I also ask for your prayers for my dad's health. That the tests are able to be done quickly and results are made known. Pray that whatever the results say, treatment can begin and health restored. That God would provide my family with peace and comfort knowing that he is in control. That his plans are perfect.

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension (understanding), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 5:4 "Remind each other of God's goodness and be thankful."