Thanking Jesus for Thanksgiving

Just as I ended the last post; we're driving to Virginia this evening! What a blessing it is to be able to get in the car and drive home for Thanksgiving. It'll be a short weekend trip, but just the fact that we're able to do it and see our family again after only a months time from the last visit is wonderful. Coming from the tiny dot located in the middle of the Pacific ocean, (commonly known as Hawaii), we certainly appreciate the east coast. We really do have so much to be thankful for, and let me be the first to admit that I am not nearly as thankful as I should be on a daily basis. I'd like to say that I am...but if I'm really honest with myself, surely I take for granted much of what I have. Partly because I've always had it and partly because of this selfish, fallen nature that I have to live with in this life. But let me take this chance to remind myself of just how blessed and I am, and how much I truly have to be thankful for.

First and foremost, I am thankful for Jesus- for His indescribable gift of grace and life, despite how much we deserve just the opposite. And to be able to know Him and walk with Him, as though He weren't only our Lord and Savior, but also our brother and our best friend. He's brought Thane and I on quite a journey this past year. It's truly been life changing- incredibly sweet at some points, incredibly bittersweet at others- undoubtedly worth every step. The desire of our heart is to grow closer and closer to Him, through His word, through the people and friendships He puts in our path, through His constant presence in our daily lives. And also through diligent repentance and obedience, which is where we find some of the hardest yet sweetest fruits of growth. We're absolutely thrilled for our friends, family, and acquaintances that know Christ in this way- what a joy! Praise the Lord. For those of them who don't, it is our deepest and most urgent desire and prayer for them.

Which brings me back to the long list of things we are thankful for- for all those special people in our lives and the time we have with them on this earth. For the wonderful love and friendship between Thane and I that grows stronger and sweeter every day. For our little boy, who gets bigger, stronger, and more fiesty with his kicks. For the amazing new church family that God lead us to here and all of the fellowship and new friendships that have come from it. For the Hawaii friends that were already here, waiting to give us a warm welcome to Georgia. For the stable job Thane has, for the beautiful home we've been blessed with on Fort Benning. For Thane's call and desire to serve God by entering the chaplaincy- we're so excited!- and the education that will mostly (if not entirely) be provided for by the army. For the wonderful, wonderful blessing it is for me to have a husband who's passionate about sharing Christ's love and truth.

And of course the list goes on and on...the home on the ranch we still hope to move to in a year's time, the fact that we have all the food, clothing, and comforts that so many people in the world consider luxuries. The little things, like maternity pants (ahhhh...) and my favorite new foods- cheesy chicken noodle casserole, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, and chocolate milk- all the southern comforts a girl could ask for! Being able to snuggle up with Thane each and every night and wake up together each and every morning. Feeling the baby kick and being able to "poke" him back. Thank you Jesus, it's all a gift from You...

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!