Thankful...

I am up early before the dawn and it is quiet. Moments like these allow me to clear my head. Silence and a good cup of coffee work together to cause thoughts to swirl around. Sometimes those thoughts are put down on paper, but most often they are lost the moment the first little patter of feet hit the ground running. But on Thanksgiving morning not much else to ponder about but gratitude...

This year has brought about some tough changes for our family. We have grown and stretched like never before, but you know what? Change can either make or break someone and I believe it has made us. Our new rhythm of life here in our home has settled on us and while we work hard to create a stronger home, it seems to be working for us. Late nights, early mornings, things to be done on an ever growing to do list but I wouldn't trade them for the world. 

My thankful heart overflows for these people...

People complain about getting older but you know? I think it gives you such wisdom from having lived a bit more. Things I know now compared to what I thought I knew then, well, let's just say I didn't know much then!!

What I do know now, is that relationships are everything. And these people who share the four walls with me know me intricately. Before I was married I thought, who could I live with for the rest of my life?? Well, God has blessed me beyond measure because I couldn't think of spending them with anyone else...

It takes a lot of work... Just look at this guy, he goes a mile a minute. But this guy will become a man someday. One who marries a woman and raises their own children. What I do now will have a ripple effect on families to come. A shocking truth that reminds me daily to pour my very best in my children and family.

How convicting it is that we are in charge to teach them how to love, and love others. 

So we go about our days, living out life, pouring into relationships. What I have found this year that relationships can be tricky. Risky as well. Balancing real vs safe. Sometimes more often than not, I blow it but sometimes it settles and true friendships begin. Even through the tough times, our kids can see that life isn't easy and we all need to work things out. But then I become surprised when things do work out and a gift of a true relationship blossoms. Win win...

So we go about our time here and work things out. All for our family to see. A process of learning, growing, living. I am thankful for my family, my safe haven. The ones who love me even though sometimes I am hard to love.

Thankful for the burdens we all bear together. Some more real than others!

One thing I am reminded about often, is how quickly these moments fly by. That girl on my back? She used to fit in the crook of my arm not too long ago. I easily carried her weight on my hip as we both went on about our day. Today, I can barely pick her up for a moment. She still loves to be held, cuddled, snuggled... But for how long? The seasons are changing quickly.... How I must live in the moment...

These quiet moments don't come around here often. I know this one is about to end soon but today, I choose to be thankful for it all. Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 106:1

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.