Thanksgiving

November is here, the month where we stop to pause and think of all the things we have to be thankful for. I have several friends who are making great lists on their blogs. It seems once we start, the ideas just come tumbling out like a waterfall. The important thing about thinking of all these things to be thankful for is remembering who we are thanking! (Can I get an amen?!)

My friend and her children were having an impromptu discussion about what God has made. One of the children said, "What about cars? If God made everything, did He make cars?" (Does anyone else recognize this question?!) I don't know about you, but I am certainly thankful that God gave people the brains to come up with the idea of an engine and then the idea to put wheels on it and call it a car! We sure would spend a lot more time getting from one place to another, wouldn't we?

Today when I was putting a load of laundry into my washing machine I thanked God for that machine. I am so thankful that He helped someone come up with the idea and others perfect it so that now I can have clean clothes in less than an hour without leaving my home!

As I spent time with friends this week, I was reminded the numerous friends God has provided for me over the years. How grateful I am for each and everyone of you. Each has played an important role in my life, many a deeper role than they may ever realize. What a blessing that God thought up the idea to provide us with friends for this journey called life.

If you visit my apartment and look around you will see pictures everywhere, of friends and family. God placed me in an incredible family. I have parents who loved me so much that they made sure I knew who God was, that I spent as much time as possible learning about Him. Parents who helped me grow and mature, who encouraged and challenged and disciplined me. Parents who provided a safe and loving home, a refuge from the crazy world around us.

However, the most important thing I am thankful for is my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am sure this sounds cliche to some, but it is the absolute truth. I am who I am, do what I do, think what I think, care how I care, love how I love because of Him. I am a sinner in need of a Savior. So, before I even knew I needed that, Jesus came to this earth and allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross. Because of that, I can now be considered part of God's family. But, He didn't stop there! He, then, three days later, rose from the dead, conquering death. Now, not only are my sins forgiven, but I also get to live forever with my Savior. Hallelujah!