Truly Thankful

Working in a public office and being connected to the County Court system, one can tend to see the darker side of people. Not every day or all the time, but SOME days I can't wait for nothing more than to get home and turn off the phone and hide! No matter what our jobs, it is often too easy to forget about the goodness in people. We are so rushed and busy we find ourselves upset with others for driving to slow or standing in the wrong place in an isle in a grocery store. Whether it is something as minor as that or the horrific things we see on the TV news; it's really difficult in this life to follow the Lord's command to love others. Then there is that moment...



My family and I have had many of those moments this year. People giving of their hearts and their time. Neighbors, church friends , family & even strangers showing their love at our time of need. When my dad died it was the darkest time of my life but I saw the absolute best in people. They still continue you to bless us. No, it wasn't just lip service when they said, "we are there for you". People meant it, they followed through. They bless me so much when they help my mom. She is 62 years young, but for 40 years, she had a helpmeet, her other half; and as often happens in marriages, the work was divided. Suddenly, it's all on her shoulders or at least it feels that way. My husband, our two teenagers and myself are only 15 minutes away but we have work and school so sometimes are weekly visits are not enough. Sometimes we just haven't had the talents to make up for all those handyman talents my dad had. Sometimes we just got to say, "we don't know how". And when we have felt we are at the end of our rope emotionally and physically; someone comes and helps us along. God just won't leave us there overwhelmed.

There are more examples of the goodness of giving that has blessed my family this year than I count; they all mean more than words can express to us. I just happened to have here a visual journal of a special day that shows what I am trying to say.
Dad built this garage/barn back in the mid-eighties. He tinkered on cars and tractors and who knows what in there! This summer it need a fresh coat of paint and although the job was a BIG one, we had more than enough help. Then men who volunteered with my dad on our church's parking crew showed up early and did a phenomenal job. They organized everything, from how much paint to purchase to brushes, tee-shirts and painters hats!




It truly reminded me how selfless people can be; how blessed my family is. It's been a difficult year; but I can sit here and say I am thankful. Thankful for the legacy my dad has given me, thankful for a family I can turn to, depend on, love and enjoy. And I am thankful for the goodness of people that will sacrifice their time to do for others.

May you all be blessed this Thanksgiving