The boy’s finally decided on what they wanted to be for Halloween (after several mind changes), the costumes were bought, and trick-or-treating was done. The boys (and parents) fell into a sugar coma, and the next morning we woke up to….. Christmas? It was like over night the magical elves took over all retail stores and campaign ads turned to toy ads galore! We had completely skipped over Thanksgiving.

I usually start November with my ‘thankful’ posts on FB but just didn’t feel like participating in that this year. What I did do, which is shocking even to myself, is start Christmas shopping. I have fully gotten into the Christmas cheer… Hallmark channel has been on pretty much non-stop…. Christmas decor has been purchased… and our family Christmas bucket list has started to take shape.

I thought that maybe I will use my blog to give thanks for what has been given to me:

I am thankful for date nights. A time for my husband and I to reconnect as husband and wife. I time to laugh, a time to talk, or a time to just sit in each other’s presence without being interrupted.

I am thankful for my children. I learn something new each day from these two. I am blessed with their unique personalities, their love for each other. I am thankful for the moments when they just want their mommy and for the moments I just want some quiet!!

I am thankful for old memories. The ones that were difficult and heartbreaking; and those that taught me about love, kindness, and friendship.

I am thankful for new memories and for friendships that last a life time.

I am thankful for new friendships. I am thankful that God has placed women in my life that have been uplifting and have a heart for Jesus.

I am thankful for my family. I am blessed with a husband who loves me unconditionally, and an extended family, that despite my many shortcomings, wouldn’t have me any other way.

 

It has been through a recent Bible study and a few sermons (shout out to Pastor Roy :p) that I have realized that the merge of Thanksgiving and Christmas makes complete sense to me.

I have so many things and people to be thankful for because of  Jesus. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than to give thanks to the Lord for His Son, who through Him we have everlasting life? What better way to prepare our hearts as we remember His birth?

‘Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.’  (song titled Give Thanks)

So I’m going to start taking a different approach and way of thinking when it comes to this holiday season; instead of complaining of how Christmas is pushed upon me, I’m going to start taking the time to give thanks to the Lord for all He has given me…. especially, the greatest Gift of All, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

By His grace,

Misty