For most of us the last few days have been a whirlwind of eating, laughing, smiling, and maybe eating some more. Perhaps you just celebrated your first Thanksgiving without a loved one, possibly it is your first Thanksgiving as a married couple, or it just so happens to be your little one’s first Thanksgiving. Whatever the case, this holiday brings a bountiful offering of thanks to God.

As we ease into the celebration of our Savior’s birth, my hope is that we do not get complacent and forget all the things we thanked God for last week. As the old saying goes, “What if you woke up with only the things you thanked God for last night”. Yikes!!

I recently purchased a pop up camper and spent all summer renovating it(all while nursing a broken ankle, but that’s another post). I am so thankful for that broken ankle, yes thankful. Isn’t it amazing how God works when we least expect it? To have that comfort that He knows His creation (me and you) so well that He orchestrates events that alter your path and literally(in my case) knock you off your feet!

My broken bone gave me a new outlook and made me realize not to take anything for granted. At a moment’s notice I was taken off my feet and crutches were my new best friends. It gave me a lot of time to think. In that time, I realized what was precious to me and I became fervently thankful for those people, items, and most of all God’s love.

So back to the pop up, one of my items I am thankful for. I love my little new-to-me camper. The memories already made are stored like precious treasure in my memory bank. Memories of lake views, roasting marshmallows, my daughters giggling endlessly, and an intense gratitude for my husband.

Sometimes God gets our attention by gently placing us in circumstances that are painful for a season but we reap the bountiful harvest for a lifetime. A new perspective is bestowed upon us when He moves the pieces around and events happen that we never saw coming. I love when God pieces things together.

This last weekend, I was reminded, as I sat and breathed in God’s natural painting, how thankful I am. The lake view behind our campsite was stunning. The lake was painted in hues of blue, gray and white. Every rolling wave reminded me that He thinks I am special and I am so grateful He still has me here. The crash of the water against the bank was an audible reminder of how thankful I am to be loved by a Creator that blesses me with ears to hear the waves, see the sunset, feel the wind move across the water and a sense of taste that can see how good He is.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.               Psalm 34:8