Happy Thanksgiving!

Habakkuk 3:17-19

English Standard Version (ESV)

 17Though the fig tree should not blossom,

   nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

   and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

   and there be no herd in the stalls,

18(AH) yet I will rejoice in the LORD;

   (AI) I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

19GOD, the Lord, is my strength;

   (AJ) he makes my feet like the deer’s;

   he makes me(AK) tread on my(AL) high places.

This year has been a year of great blessings; however, it takes looking back at years of great difficulty to appreciate them to the fullest.

A few years ago my mother was very sick. I watched as she lost 40 pounds in 3 months and did not know why she was so sick. I was preparing myself for what would happen to our family if she died. Now I not only thank God for giving my mother good health, but also for the bond that my family has with each other as a result of difficult times. For this I am thankful.

A couples years ago my sister was struggling with infertility and I was struggling with not ever having a boyfriend. She and I had several conversations about how we were waiting for God to provide people in our lives. She and her husband were blessed with a beautiful baby boy last year. This year I was blessed with a wonderful boyfriend. For this I am thankful.

My family has always been an academic family. My mother homeschooled all five daughters and ever since I can remember my father has been in school. Learning has always been a huge blessing that my family has provided. My learning at Notre Dame is another blessing and my learning at BWMC is yet another blessing. My mother is going to finish her Bachelors this semester and our family couldn’t be more proud of her. For this I am thankful.

God is good through the good times and the times that war on our hearts. Thanksgiving is a time to recollect the great things God gives us in light of the trials that come our way. For this I am thankful.