Thankful Thursday~A Ticket Home and a Bandaid, Too

Two long awaited things have happened this week, and we're rejoicing!

First, my cousin, after almost two weeks in the hospital, arrived home last night. She'll get to feel the comfort of her own bed, delight in the hugs of her children, and savor everything that makes "home" home. I'm so excited for her!

Please continue to pray. She'll return to Utah to begin her stem cell transplant on September 18th. It's another long road, full of pain and loss and maybe even a hospital room. But it's also another journey replete with God's mercies.

The other big news is that after almost 4 months, my Mom's wound from her surgery will most likely just need a bandaid. :) This is a big deal, after months of major wound dressings and changes. Thank you for your continued prayers for strength as she reaches the finish line of at least one trial.

It doesn't end there. Below are many more proofs of God's lovingkindness.

I'm thankful for boys at work, and I LOVE this picture. Look at all the great "manly" stuff in it. The hole in the jeans from the running and playing that boys do. The injury on his arm, a given in a boy's life. And the watch. Telling time. Keeping time. And yet, so unaware of time. I think this one's going in a frame. It just brings me joy!

Reaches Up showed up with sander in hand as well as a can of paint and brushes. He tidied up our flower boxes. Now we just need to pull LOTS of weeds and add the flowers. 

I'm thankful for a daughter who's learning her way around the kitchen. What a blessing it is to wake up and have her cook a delicious breakfast for everyone. She's mastered the Tater Pie as well as our basic frittata recipe.  Great job, Miss Emma!

I'm thankful for boys who surprise me with hugs and kisses, and yet, bring me snakes and lizards. And I'm thankful when the boys carry these critters right back out of the house. :)

Isn't he purty??

I'm thankful for sleeping babies. Not because it gives me a break. Rather, it's such a beautiful thing to behold. The peace. The calm. The soft breathing. You want to suspend time and just linger. Just linger near the sweetness.

Look at those eyelashes. :)

Finally, my heart has been especially heavy of late, and as I sat down to reflect on God's provision, I realized that we often misperceive the giving of thanks, as well as those who are doing the praising.

Perhaps we think that gratitude lists are born from perky people with perfect lives. How untrue!

When David would praise God for His mercies and provision, he was most often in trouble, enduring affliction. The thanksgiving was an act of the will, a choice to remember God's goodness, to declare what he knew to be true of His God, even though his circumstances were desperate.

When you're overwhelmed, go to the Rock that is higher than you are. Go to our God and ask for grace to see the mercies all around you. I promise you, they're there. Soon you'll find that even in the midst of the hurting, your lips and heart can't help but declare the praises of God. 

With love,