I'm sure there have been years when my priorities were completely off and I wasn't very thankful. In fact, I know that after my mom died of cancer, I was most definitely that way. I was bitter and angry and far from thankful.
I look back on those years now and I realize that I was more focused on myself and what I wanted (my mom to come back) than on all that I had otherwise. I can clearly see my blessings now. I have a husband, a son, and family members who are alive and who love me.
Those who are gone are not forgotten. My mother, my grandmother, and my aunt will always be close to my heart. I feel thankful knowing that they are with God and no longer have to experience the pain of this world. But, I also believe now that no matter what, I will be thankful.
Life cannot go perfectly. People cannot live forever. Life is often painful and hard, but if we trust in God, there is never really anything to fear.
Financially, life has never been more difficult and being a mother is not a walk in the park, but when I stop and count what I do have, it outweighs the unpleasantness that is a part of this life. God gives us challenges and growing experiences, but He also gives us more than we deserve. We are blessed!
I hope that your Thanksgiving is a very happy one and I hope that you focus on your blessings and not what you feel is lacking. We will always be lacking in this world, otherwise, there would be nothing to look forward to in the next.
* Image from LynchburgVirg...flickr.com
