Thankfulness

Being thankful isn't easy in this day & time. It seems like just being content is hard enough. Someone always has something more, better or newer than you.

Over the last 4 years, my family has learned the hard way of what it means to be truly thankful & content.

In December of 2006, my husband John lost his 6 figure a year job. It took months for him to find work and it was out of state at a very reduced salary. Suddenly, just being able to make a mortgage payment or be able to take a sick child to the doctor was what I was thankful for.

That job didn't last long as John's industry (heavy equipment) was being hit hard by rising gas prices. He would be out of work 4 more times before we found his job in Virginia. We are so thankful for this job, even if it is still not quite what he was making in 2006.

We are thankful for good health as it has been 3 years since our son's Tate last seizure. We are thankful that he was able to come off his seizure meds this year and went from being tutored by a special education counselor to making the honor roll for the first time in his little life.

I am thankful that we have a home, even if it is rented as we were forced to sell our home in North Carolina when we moved to Richmond. I miss "my home" but slowly we are adapting to this new town and we are thankful that we are all together under one roof as a family. Living apart for 2 years almost took a toll on our marriage. I am thankful it didn't.

I am thankful for Papa Bud & PawPaw Hanson's passage to heaven. It means they do not have to suffer here on Earth anymore. And although I miss them, especially Papa Bud, knowing the pain they were in--it makes me thankful that they are no longer in misery and that I will see them again one sweet day.

Tate & Papa, Thanksgiving 2005

On Sunday we are driving to North Carolina & then on to West Virginia to celebrate "Thanksgiving"....and we have much to be thankful for. I am thankful that I can drive to see my family in one day. Though the miles seem enormous, we can safely be at our family within 4 hours and that is something to be thankful for.

And last but not least, I am thankful for the new life of Karsen. Her sweet smile makes my day. I am thankful that God saw a need for her life and He blessed me with a beautiful baby.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1