Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving. It is a day to remember all of the blessings that God has put in our lives. I thought that it might be interesting to go back and see what I was thankful for 1 year ago and compare it to what I am thankful for today.

Last Years Blessings:
1. A God who loves me in spite of my sinful nature -- GRACE!
2. Ryan, a wonderful husband who also loves me in spite of my sinful nature :)
3. Lily Grace and Wyatt Ryan -- what would my life be without them?
4. My Mom and Dad who help me so tremendously.
5. All of my family and friends, Michigan and Illinois alike, who love me and support me in this journey called life.
6. A great friend who is a terrific example of faith in all situations.
7. A GREAT church where I am able to worship God and grow in Him.
8. A small group with people who care and challenge me in ways they don't even know.
9. The insurance in MI that covers 100% of the cost of Ryan's CF medical care!!!
10. Ryan's great job and the flexibility they offer with Ryan's health.

This Years Blessings:
1. A God who loves me, walks beside me, and strengthens me in my grief.
2. Ryan, a wonderful husband, who made me a better person in our short time together!
3. Lily Grace and Wyatt Ryan -- what would my life be without them?
4. My Mom and Dad who help me so tremendously.
5. All of my family and friends, Michigan and Illinois alike, who love me and support me in this journey called life.
6. A great friend who is a terrific example of faith in all situations.
7. A GREAT church where I am able to worship God and grow in Him.
8. A small group with people who care and listen.
9. The insurance in MI that covered 100% of the cost of Ryan's CF medical care -- where would I be right now without this?
10. 5/3rd Bank's Wealth Management Department.

Surprisingly, my lists are very similar. God has continued to bless me despite hardship and it is important that I continually recognize that. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says "Be joyful (not happy, but joyful) always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I am not thankful that Ryan is not here with me, but I am thankful that he is in heaven and that he no longer faces the suffering that his life on this earth required. I am thankful that God has so richly blessed me with family and friends who love me and hold me up as I grieve. I am thankful for my wonderful children: their smiles and their laughter. I have many reasons to be thankful for today, so I will focus on those as I feel the loss of my wonderful husband today, Thanksgiving Day.