“If one could only learn to appreciate the little things…
A song that takes you away, for there are those who cannot hear.
The beauty of a sunset, for there are those who cannot see.
The warmth and safety of your home, for there are those who are homeless.
Time spent with good friends for there are those who are lonely.
A walk along the beach for there are those who cannot walk.
The little things are what life is all about.
Search your soul and learn to appreciate.”
-Shadi Souferian
This Thanksgiving season brings with it a lot of sadness for our little family. It will be one of the many “firsts” that we will be experiencing as a family of four, not five. When I think about that, my heart sinks. When I think about how much she loved pumpkins and turkeys, I can’t help but to feel like a part of my heart is missing.
But then I look around me.
I look at the amazing fingerprints she left; not only my my life, but the lives of her siblings and family.
I think about the amazing 9 years and the blessings that came with that.
I think about how my life would be so very different if she were not a part of it.
I think about my amazing older children; how far they have come; how much they have been through.
I think about my devoted husband; he has been my rock and anchor through so very much.
I think about my Savior; He has never left me, even during those times that I could not feel His presence.
So, in this seasons of “firsts” when everything around me tells me that I have nothing to be thankful for, I look back and remember all of the blessings that have been bestowed on me, despite the heartache that has come my way. I remember the words of my Father and smile…
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” –John 16:33
I encourage you to stop, think about what is really important. It is not the turkey, the stuffing, or the table settings, but who is around your table table that matters. It is those people in your lives that you simply could not do “life” without.
Be truly, honestly, painfully thankful for the many blessings in your life. Before you know it, they will be distant memories that you long to experience again.
And most of all, be thankful to the one who allowed you to have those blessings. Be thankful for His grace. Be thankful for His mercy. Be thankful for His sovereignty.
Because you and I would be nothing if it were not for Him.
