Counting My Blessings
It has been so long since I've checked in! Needless to say things have been a little crazy over the summer. Now I look up from my laptop and it's November!
Honestly! Here we are, less than one week before Thanksgiving of 2017. Can you believe the year has gone by so quickly? I have a love/hate relationship with this holiday. Too often I get sucked into the “to do” list and miss the most important part - the opportunity to celebrate all the reasons we have to be thankful.
Now, I‘m not talking about the “objects” in our lives. No, not even the ones that make it easier. (Microwaves! Haha! Especially around the holidays!) No, today, I ask you to look closer. Look carefully, even in the challenges of life. Remind yourself of the good things you’ve been gifted. No matter how big or how small.
Let me tell you three pieces of my life that I’m thankful for from 2017.
1. I am thankful that I can spend time with my Dad. For many years we lived two states away from one another. It is time that cannot be regained. Those were days I took for granted - days when he was healthy. I didn’t realize how priceless time with him was until my mother passed. Suddenly, every moment with him is precious. And now, I love being able to answer the same question repeatedly, to fix his hair, to inspect his hearing-aids, to help him with his jacket, or to tie a shoe, or to indulge him in an ice cream any time I can. Because, I don’t know how many moments we have left.
2. I am thankful for my friends. On the surface, this seems like a ‘duh’. But let me explain. I am thankful for them ALL - friends I don’t see anymore, friends I rarely see, and the ones I see often - these are people who have added to my existence. Each one has left an indelible fingerprint upon me. They have welcomed me in their lives. They’ve laughed with me, cried with me, supported me, encouraged me, prayed with and for me, and walked through some tough times with me. In addition, they have blessed me by allowing me to do the same for them. I am blessed as they have helped God mold me into who I am today.
3. I am thankful for my book journey. How could I leave this part out? LOL I mean, it is my author website! Never in a million years did I ever think I would actually have a book published. But here I am. And it has been an incredible, emotional, wonderful, amazing journey. It’s just beginning! Y'all! In less than two months, Hidden Thorns will be released to the public. It’s difficult to express the varied emotions I feel. Mostly, I’m excited. And anxious for you all to meet Lil, and Michael, and Katie. Oh! And, of course, Gracie. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Now, it’s your turn! Send me the three parts of 2017 that you are most thankful for in the comments. It will be a great encouragement to see all of your responses!
Till next time, Happy Thanksgiving! May your blessings always loom large!
~ Melissa