Give Thanks

There is this little sign in the kitchen window that my mom put up a few days ago. It says, "Give Thanks". I have sat at the counter in my kitchen every morning with my cup of coffee in hand, just staring at that sign. You know how sometimes you just sit and stare at something and just let you mind wander, without even thinking about what it is you're staring at? This morning I finally saw what it was that my eyes have found themselves so automatically drawn to every day when I sit or walk into the kitchen. What's funny is that this sign is not a big deal. It doesn't stand out, it's just a small, brown sign that really is inconspicuous compared to all of the other items surrounding it.
So, I think that this post is going to perhaps be a little more raw than normal. I think that it's time for me to be honest, and really share my heart about all of the events that have been, and currently are taking place in my (Linda's) life.
The last few weeks have definitely thrown some unexpected hurdles at me. All of the most random of things, the most random people and the most random of issues, have all decided to come out of the woodwork and smack dab into the middle of my life. So, when I reflect on these events, these issues and these people, I can't help but think, "Really!? Right now?! Isn't this supposed to be the best time of my life?" Well, yeah, it is. But I have to say (and I am not saying this so that people will throw me a pity party), that this has, thus far been only maybe 5% enjoyable. This is SO wrong, though. This way of thinking, regardless of my circumstances is so wrong, so ungrateful, and so inwardly focused. There is so much to by thankful for. There are so many ways in which the Lord is consistently blessing us, and yet, like those bigger, more noticeable things surrounding our kitchen sign, the things that are troubling and frustrating oftentimes seem to be easier to focus on instead of "giving thanks". I am learning that sometimes I need to find the things to be thankful for in the middle of all of the noise and clutter. They must be pondered on, and conciously thanked for to the Lord.
Now that the holiday of Thanksgiving is officially over, it is a little bit easier to focus on my last week of school (at least for my undergrad... We'll see about a masters?), and of course, the wedding! I am so thankful that the Lord has brought me such an amazing man, that He has allowed us to enter marriage completely debt free, that He has allowed all of Christian's immediate family and some friends to come for our wedding, and for a church that loves and supports us wholeheartedly. The list could go on and on and on, and knowing that is a blessing in and of itself.
I have been dwelling on this thought for a couple of weeks now, and that is that every day that I wake up, God has given me life for one more day, not in vain, but with a purpose. I am not here by chance, I am here because of my sovereign God's will. Knowing that, and knowing that I have a purpose for every day that I wake up is a blessing, because I know that I have a reason for living. I suppose that, aside from that being one more huge reason to be thankful, is also a motivator for me, because it challenges me to be a blessing to others and to try to make the most out of my day. It helps me take away the importance that I place on my "circumstances", and allows me to have a much more positive attitude as well as praising God in all things.
Anyway, I think that this post might have been just a little bit haphazard, but thank you for those of you that made it this far. Will post again soon!
20 days and counting down!