Thankful

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…” Psalm 107:1

I have always believed in the power of story. Whether it’s sharing my story or listening to others share their story, it’s amazing to see how God is present in our lives. This year I am especially thankful for God’s love and faithfulness in my life. Today I want to give testimony to God’s love by sharing what I’m thankful for, which only seems appropriate as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow.

 

I’m thankful for my husband. Julio is my steadying force; he’s the one who keeps me from going to the extremes. Julio also has a genuine and unending faith that has been such an example for me, especially as we took this huge leap of faith to serve in Colombia. I’m thankful for his love for God, and his love for me and our family.

 

Julio and I enjoying some much needed time away

 

I’m thankful for my boys! I have to admit that I never saw myself being the mother of two boys…sometimes I still can’t believe it. I hope to have enough energy to keep up with them. I’m so thankful for the joy they bring to my life and for the ways that they teach me more and more about God and God’s unconditional love. I’m thankful for how different they are and their little personalities. I’m thankful for the times reading with Sam before bed, and the giggles and laughter that continually come from Ben. I’m thankful for Sam’s questions about Jesus and his desire to pray for others. I’m thankful for Ben’s hugs and sweet spirit.

 

Loving some quality time with the boys

I’m thankful for friends and family who have loved and supported us in so many ways this past year. I see God and experience God through each one of you. I’m amazed at your gifts and your generosity. I’m thankful for my parents who have made countless trips to Chicago; for my brother and his wife and our Colombia connection. I’m thankful for friends and family near and far and for the many ways you’ve made my life richer.

 

Enjoying some quality time in D.C. with a good friend

I’m thankful for the church. I’m thankful to be a part of a community of believers, a denomination that proclaims and lives out the gospel of Jesus – the good news of God’s grace and love and restoration. I’m thankful for the chance to have visited so many different churches this year. I’m thankful for the people who laid hands on us and prayed for us, who offered us a place to stay and delicious food to eat. I’m thankful for the church in Colombia – for their invitation to serve alongside of them.

 

Being prayed for at a church in New York

 

Leading a kid's moment during a church service - singing Jesus loves me in Spanish

Simply put – I am thankful! I’m thankful that God invites me to participate as an agent of hope and love. I’m thankful that God is so big and even when I can’t see the way ahead, God leads me step by step.  God is good; his love endures forever.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Report This Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.