Giving Thanks

Entering into a season of thankfulness, that often comes this time of year with the upcoming holidays, I choose to let the things I'm thankful for overshadow the ones I'm not. We all know that there have been many challenges this year (2020). Here in the Philippines we've been in a non-stop quarantine since March 16th (245 days and counting). We've also had several natural disasters; a volcanic eruption, 10 total typhoons, 2 super typhoons, and several earthquakes. Just thinking about all of the lows and challenges can be stressful. 

How about those things I am thankful for? First, I consider all of the basics like life, good health, provision, and everything I take for granted, but am still so grateful for. More specifically, I thank God for moving me closer to answered prayers and promises. I'm thankful that after 11 months of actively waiting and preparing, I now know who two of my girls are and that they are on the way soon. Getting to read the case studies of my two 17 year old foster girls was a blessing, as well as heart wrenching. These moments, when I get new information about the girls and the next steps, have been an encouragement to my faith to keep going. 

I'm thankful that very soon I will be family to girls that haven't had a stable and loving family for most, if not all, of their lives. I'm thankful that even at 17 years old they still have a chance to know what love, consistency, hope, and a future are like. I'm thankful that even in the midst of my own mess and short comings in life, God trusts me. I'm thankful that through the ups and downs, and many "I don't knows", we can turn to God, ask for help, and get what we need to keep moving forward. 

I'm thankful that God loves me and cares for me enough to take me on this journey with Him. I'm thankful that His more than enough covers my, and my girls', inadequacies. I'm thankful (by faith) that I will spend this Christmas with my girls. 

What has been one of the more challenging years, will be the most beautiful gift from God, as He brings our family together.