Beyond Thankful

Thanksgiving morning - quiet, serene, beautiful.  And full of reflection.
Before dawn half of my house was awake, and headed toward the woods - and I, headed to the kitchen.   Coffee first!

I am so thankful that I have a wonderful house.  Our journey of "move - rebuild - settle" is done, with a few loose ends to tie up.  Last Thanksgiving, the house was a skeleton and we were exhausted beyond comprehension.  Today, I sit in the "images of my husband's design come to life" and all I can do is smile with pleasure. 
I am so thankful for home. This is the first year in our marriage I get to host Thanksgiving in my own house.  No driving 6 hours to go to where the rest of the family lives, because we live there now, too. 
I am so thankful for my children!  22 years ago today, we nearly lost Brittany. The burns that nearly took her life, and took years to heal, are faded.  As are most of the memories.  Gratefully, the images of that day are softened, but not gone - so as to remind me how precious her life is... how precious all of my children are. 
3 years and 1 day ago, my father in law lifted his eyes to the glory of his eternity.  He was ready to leave, even if we were not ready to let him go.  But the span of our life here is simply a dot on the line of eternity.  I am so thankful we will join him again someday.
The gift of employment is truly a blessing in this age.  19 years ago today I began a journey of learning and sharing.  From family-owned franchise to global headquarters, my time at Manpower has been good, and hard - never dull, and always in the presence of wonderful people who really care about each other and the honor of employment.

God, you are good beyond measure.  And as I ponder my life before, and the day ahead, I have a deep well of gratitude to draw from.  From simple pleasures to vast treasures, I am eternally indebted to you, my Saviour.  Beyond Thankful.  From the deepest part of who you made me - I love you.