On Being Thankful

Its easy to face adversity and get frustrated and down.  I am very guilty of this.  I see the snow outside and get upset at the danger it poses for us driving anywhere.  I see Cooper, right now, laying in my bed with a fever and weak from spending the night throwing up and I just think “Doggonit… Gage is finally on the mend and NOW Cooper gets sick??” I shake my head knowing that the season of illness, seclusion, canceling appointments (I was supposed to get my hair done today) and swiping my card at the pediatrician’s office is upon us.  And now, Thanksgiving is on hold for us, too, and I feel sad wondering if our holidays are EVER going to get back to normal. 

Instead, I KNOW that I should look at the snow and be thankful for its beauty and the quietness it blankets us with.  I should be thankful that I don’t HAVE to drive anywhere in this weather but can stay home, in our warm house and be protected from the frigid cold. We have food stocked up and enough wood to last 2 winters… what do I have to complain about?  I should look at Cooper and thank the Lord that he doesn’t have an illness that is threatening his life … what do I have to complain about?  I should be thankful that we have insurance to pay for their doctor care, that seclusion means bonding with my children and board games and movies and book reading.  What do I have to complain about?

I should be thankful that we have extended family that we could be spending Thanksgiving with … and that even if we don’t actually see them on November 25, there’s always the next day or the day after that.  Its not the date on the calendar – its the spirit of the holiday that we celebrate.  And if we have to reschedule, or eat 15 pounds of turkey by ourselves, that’s the way it is.  What do I have to complain about?

I could let myself complain about a lot of things, but where does that get me.  No where… and if we know the Lord, we know that complaining is an insult to Him.  He blesses us day in and day out with little things, such as the space heater blowing on me, and big things, such as love, family, health and safety.

I’m preaching to myself… I need to see these thoughts and words because honestly, this is something I do struggle with.  I need to hear myself say “What do you have to complain about??” and recognize that the answer is extremely clear… nothing. 

I’ll leave you for the long holiday weekend with a few photos of my boys during healthier times…   

And in color…

So I wish you a very thankful Thanksgiving, free of stress, anxiety, and worry.  Just enjoy the flip-side of every adverse situation… because in every negative there is a positive.  Something to be thankful for.

ETA:  I’ll be back soon to share some photos of my One-Wheeled Wonder… Matt on his unicycle!