Thankful Thursday # 15

It's late and I'm exhausted.

And, to be honest, I thought about skipping Thankful Thursday this week. I just don't have the time to post a blog entry this week. My To Do list is taunting me and my eyes are begging to close--and I still have to climb the stairs to my bedroom ...

But I've learned the value of being grateful. Sometimes taking the time--making the time to say thank you to God makes all the difference between a good day and a bad day.

The last few weeks have been rough. I've battled discouragement. Doubt. Migraines. Work overload. Intense sadness at having to say goodbye to my daughter, Amy, who left for a 9 month mission trip this past Monday.

Even in the midst of all that, I have reason--REASONS--to be thankful. And all of those reasons have names.

This week I am thankful for:

• Rob, my husband, who lives with me in an understanding, servant-hearted way
• and for my friends (in no particular order): Gloria, Tiffany, Scoti, Jeanne, Kristin, Margo, Fran, Barbara --You've all prayed for me, listened to me, comforted me, and pointed me back to God when my faith has wobbled. You've fulfilled the exhortation of Galatians 6:2: Bear one another's burdens. Because of your friendships, my burden has been lighter.

Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10, 12: Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

With thanks to Iris at Sting My Heart for encouraging us to be thankful. And with many, many thanks to all the women in the TT community whose grateful hearts inspire me!