THANKFUL THURSDAY

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melodie Beattie


Happy Thankful Thursday!

I would have to say that this would be one of my very favorite quotes on gratitude. I don't think we will every experience all that God has for us without a heart of gratitude. I do believe gratitude is the key that unlocks the doors of God's glorious riches. It would take me a lifetime to list all the events that seemed like denials, unanswered prayers, problems and failures, yet in the end I came to discover God's mighty hand working in the midst of it all.

One experience that stands out in my mind began when we discovered my son Jordan had a brain tumor. Oh, what a day that was. I remember being in total shock, and a spirit of fear tried to choke the very life right out of me. I felt paralyzed by those words, and it was as if someone threw me off a ship into the middle of a raging sea. There was no lifesaver anywhere in sight for me to grab hold. All I could think was, “Oh God, am I going to loose my son?” I wish my testimony was different. I wish I could say I called upon the name of the Lord and peace came flooding in like a river. In time this indeed did happen, but in the midst of the confusion and chaos, all I felt was a deep sense of desperation.

Looking back now, nearly five years later, I can see the hand of God that literally guided, carried, and comforted me each and every step of the way. I have had the chance to meet some of the most wonderful people along this sometimes difficult journey, but if you would ask if I would change one thing that has happened, I could honestly say NO! I feel so much gratitude and thankfulness toward my heavenly Father. He has taught me great things about who He truly is during these years. Lessons I never could have learned outside of these paths, and I am grateful for how my life has changed. I have held on to many Words over the years, but one that has carried me through countless dark nights is found in James 1:12:

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Thank you sweet Jesus for your Grace that has sustained me, your Love that even now upholds me, and for the Crown of Life that you have promised me when this journey will end. Amen!


If you would to read more great posts on what people are thankful for hop on over to Crystal's site. Thanks so much for hosting this Thankful Thursday Crystal!