thankfuls

I remember the dean of students at my college encouraging the periodic habit of making lists of what he dubbed "Thankfuls"... Love the perspective I always regain after a list...

Also - our pastor used a little illustration Sunday of popcorn being like thankfulness - how you add the heat of life and... out pops the gratitude. Yes yes. Difficult times -- and there's new perspective to gain. But the pastor reminded us at the bottom of every bowl of popcorn is a few hard nuts that refuse to pop... So today in effort to not get hard in the face of twinges of sadness -- here's my gratitude.

LIST OF THANKFULS FOR JOY MARTIN'S UNBELIEVABLY HUGELY BLESSED LIFE:
(in no particular order)
My immediate Woodward family - that they are alive, health, happy, growing, blessed; that I have had them for so many years; that we have experienced such unity, fun memories, and joy; that Jesus has provided for all our needs through the years; that Jesus has walked with each of us through the coming life phases; for wonderfully attentive, loving Christian parents; for fun thoughtful Jesus-loving siblings; for additions to our family - that fit us so beautifully;

My own new family unit - for Jesus giving me a husband that is way better than I would have thought up, or chosen; for our precious healthy son and his delightful spirit; for our second son's condition and easy pregnancy; for our home that is happy and Jesus-loving; for the love that Randy and I have learned about in being married and being parents that mirrors to our faces our God's love for us; for Jesus' UNBELIEVABLE provision in our lives - where we now are in the black from student loans and barely pay a regular bill in life; for sovereignly bringing Randy and I together in the dating process that I was so horrible at; for Jesus giving me a husband that is truly smarter and a better leader than I am -- so my job of submission is a joy; for all the provision for our children -- surrounded in love and gifts and blessing;

Our delightful, challenging and rewarding job - for our boys who love on my kid so well; for the bonds we have with our boys that have been with us now for 2.5 years; for the adventure of FCA; for the scheduling of teaching and dorm life working together so well; for the ability to use our gifts for money!; for our humble gracious strong bosses and their favor towards us; for the freedom and encouragement to decorate our house; for my loving students who have hero hearts; for the unbelievable fellow staff members I get to rub shoulders with daily; for friends here that are true and precious;

My health. My freedom. My safety. My food.

My Jesus who pursues me when I apathetically make no effort back or when I run the other way... <3 He gives the deepest, most sacrificial love to me and orders my life accordingly. He stands patient over me when I am an ignorant childish pouter - and shows me the broader horizon that He views. He saves me from myself, the world, the devil, His own wrath  -- for Himself. I love Him...and cry at the beauty I see.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear ones.