27 Nov Happy Thanksgiving
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I am glad to have a day to stop and remember the many blessings in my life. I would like to think I am thankful everyday, but in truth, I probably go about way too much of my days without praising the Lord for the goodness he has given to us. But today, I am in awe of a single truth. God loved me so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross that we will once again be reconciled in eternal life with the Father. How can you say “thank you” for that? Everything else that seems so important in life pales in comparision, but I am thankful for these things all the same.
I am thankful that Keegan is home and doing well overall. After last year, I am forever thankful for any holiday, no matter how small, we spend at home. I am more than ever acutely aware that there are hospitals full of families unable to celebrate the way they intended today. I am thankful for the amazing strides Keegan has made in the last 12 months. He has gained 13 pounds, is off IV nutrition, and is taking some food by mouth. His liver, kidneys, and heart are working well, and his GI symptoms are mainly under control. This morning, he woke at 3am with a runny nose, and although he has been otherwise fine today, I know that could end at any minute. We’ve increased his shots already, and we may have to go to daily shots to help him fight whatever this might be. I am thankful for the medicines he takes to keep him and his heart healthy.
My friend, Amanda, has reminded me that no one else on this earth was chosen to be Keegan’s mom but me. Gray and I were chosen to be his parents, knowing the journey that he would walk here. And if that journey were to end tomorrow, I would be grateful for every day, good and bad. This is not the plan I had in mind, but I have never in my life been more certain that the Lord’s hand is never far from my reach. And, I am thankful that a family we have never met made a choice in their grief to give my son life! I am thankful that because of Kevin, LaMonica, and Johnston, I can hug my son today and feel God’s very presence surround me.
I am thankful for my family, my husband, and my home. I am thankful that I can afford to spend time with my family today with abundant food and plentiful love and laughter. I am thankful for the many people in my life whom I would not have met and loved had it not been for Keegan. I am thankful for the many, many people who have prayed for us, lifted us up, and given us strength in the last two years.
Yes, I am thankful today. And I will be tomorrow and the next day. If tomorrow it were to all be taken from me, I would still be thankful. Because I have put my trust and hope in the Lord, I cannot help but praise Him, no matter the outcome. I pray that you take the time to realize His hand in your life today, and give thanks.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus…And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11