Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving...What does that mean to you? "Its a time to be thankful." Yes, it is but that is the easy answer. What does it really mean to you? If you really think about it there is so much to be thankful for. First and Foremost, we must all be Thankful for God's mercy and provision, he gave his only son to give us ever lasting life. While we all know what that means, I challenge you to think about what that truly means. It means above all, his (God) desire to have personal relationship was so strong that he gave his son. If you are reading this blog you know we do not have children. I can only imagine what it would be like to give up a child for the good of all man. Just think about it. Get rid of all that stuff in your mind. The turkey will be fine in the oven. Work will be there later or tomorrow. We only think about this gift at Christmas or Easter but I challenge you to think about this gift during this season of Thanksgiving. After all, we are all thankful for how God works in our lives.

I'm thankful for God, ABBA, Father.
I'm thankful for Mandy for the joy, comfort, hope, and love she brings into my life
I'm thankful for Bud and Daisy for the unconditional love, joy, and entertainment they bring into my life (not to mention the dirt and mud!),
I'm thankful for our families, the support and love they show us in many ways during this season in our lives.
I'm thankful for our friends for the support and listening ear to hear our frustrations and not judge but offer comfort and friendship.
I'm thankful for our colleagues for their interest in our lives, for their desire to help us succeed in our careers and our home life.
I'm thankful for you! For taking the time out of your busy life to read this blog.

I'm thankful for where we are at in the adoption process. It would be easy be frustrated, mad, discontent, and full of a vast array of negative emotions for having to go down this road. But, that would only serve as a platform for the devil to enter into our lives. While its certainly not easy we lift up this situation to God! He knows our thoughts and emotions and if we lift those worries to him, he will provide us with comfort. It would be much easier to be in control, to be in the drivers seat if you will. But its not our place nor should it be. God is in control and he knows what is best for our lives. There is a reason and while we may not know what it is and we may not know the outcome of this journey, we know its his will for our lives. Beyond that nothing matters.

Christ teaches us to be thankful for all that he has provide for us. Its easy to be thankful when all is going well in your live (at least according to man's definition of perfect). Be thankful in the hard times; praise God for the journey, the trials, and the tribulations. Let him take you through those times for its through those times faith is strengthened and true meaning of being faithful and thankfulness will be bore to you.

We are not through this journey, frankly, we could be just getting started. But we are thankful. We are thankful for the people we have met during the journey, the opportunity this journey has provided for us to grow in faith, to grow closer together as a couple, and most importantly to grow closer to God.

This may not have made much sense to you. After all, its just the ramblings of mere man. If you take nothing else away from this posting take these points away.
- God is good all the time
- Be Thankful for the gift of Jesus Christ.
- Grow in faith and be open to the journey that God has for your life (no matter what it is!)

I see Thanksgiving starts in 45 minutes. But thanksgiving is so much more than a day! Everyday is Thanksgiving!

May the richness of God's love fill your hearts,
-Matt