A Thanksgiving List

I can't believe it is already the end of November. As I stop and think over the last year, there are so many blog related things to give thanks for. Today I am thankful for:

1. My Readers

Most of you I know personally. I am thankful for the memories we have shared together, the difference you have made in my life, the way you have grieved Oliver with me, and the invitation to share in the griefs, trials, and joys of your life. I am also thankful for the encouraging notes you have sent regarding my blog and the attempts you have made to post comments even though I haven't been able to figure out how to make the comments work consistently on the blog. Thanks for reading!

2. Healing

I started in January with hopes that writing things out here and hitting publish would be healing for me. It has been, beyond what I could have imagined. Healing can be painful and takes a winding path, but each post was also a sweet release and a safe and unique environment for sharing and healing. God works in mysterious ways, and I am thankful he called me on this path of healing.

We're ready to give celebrate!

3. Each Lesson Learned and Documented

The theme of my blog has always been that there are lessons or "sheaves" that can be harvested with joy from tearful plantings. When I started out, I didn't really know what those sheaves would all be. This week I took some time to look back at much of what I have written. As I skimmed post after post and made note of the nuggets of truth God had given me to share, I was shocked by how much I found. My notes filled two pages! God is always at work in our lives using Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, books, personal experience, and friends to lead, guide, and teach us. Here is just a small sampling of truths I have been able to share here:

• We do nothing good on our own. It is God who does the work in and through us.
• We are called both to remember and to press on. 
• God's way is so much better than our way.
• Feelings are meant to be accepted, experienced, and processed.
• Sorrow mixes well with laughter.
• The only day we get is today.
• Dreams don't have to come all the way to fulfillment to bear fruit.
• God longs to bless us not only in heaven but also in the here and now.
• Creativity is important in our healing.
• The goal of grieving isn't to arrive at a place where we no longer feel grief or sadness, but to carry the grief well and faithfully and to live in joyful contentment in the present moment.
• Sharing with others helps us not feel so alone.

Happy Thanksgiving!