Being Thankful

Okay, I know I am a week late. Its already December and I am writing a thankful blog. But, that is okay. We are to be thankful all year round, not just around Thanksgiving. So here I was yesterday morning thinking. I had some quite time before heading out for my errands for the day. 

If you know me than you know I am the oldest of eight kids. Yes you read the correctly eight kids. Currently the youngest is only 5 years old. Now, the two youngest ones tend to fight everyday. It is loud. Then you have the ones that don't live at home that bring their drama to this house. Yes, I was not happy at home and many times just could not wait to get away. Then this summer happened. I found myself, house sitting, camping, sleeping in living rooms, on sofas and futons and helping other people out. I was blessing the lives of those around me.

Now last month that suddenly and out of the blue ended. I went to my parents house for my one sisters baby shower, and I wasn't feeling good. It was in the stillness of my room that I heard the Holy Spirit telling me that this season was ending, it was time to move on. Yikes, how do you tell those you have been helping that God said the season is over and your not coming back? Let me tell you it wasn't easy but in the end it all worked out.  

Now I am thankful for that season, I was able to help others and meet many other people. I grew as a christian and learned new things. But, it is great to be back with my famliy. Yeah, strange words out of my mouth. The thing is, I have a real bed, no more sofas. I have a bedroom, even in the basement it is not bad. And I am not living out of a bag. These are relatively minor things we don't think about often, but we notice when they are not there. I have realized that my family, no matter how annoying they can be, is a blessing. I have been able to spend some quality time with my mom and dad. Able to share my hobby with my sister and enjoy seeing my new nephew as he was born last week. 

I missed my family when I was away, and now I will take this time to enjoy being around them, not only because of the holiday season, but because tomorrow is never guaranteed. I am thankful to have them as a family. Also, thankful for so many of the little things like a space to call my own. The lesson here is that you never miss anything till it is gone. Then you want it back. When you should have enjoyed it while it lasted and been thankful for it.

As a missionary, I know my time with my family is short, all the more reason to enjoy being around family and not complain about them. Once, I have my plane ticket, no one knows when I will return. And as I move forward I pray that I can be thankful for what I had and what I will have in the future. God's calling on my life is big. And no matter where I go He is with me. Be thankful for what you have, spend time with those in your life this holiday season. Enjoy what you have now for it all can be taken away in a blink of the eye. Praying many blessings over your lives. AMEN.