Thanks A lot

That is not sarcasm or a Girl Scout cookie. That is my heartfelt sentiment this evening. This morning I woke up in my house, got out of my big comfy bed, went to my kitchen, where I made a big pot of hot coffee, I then sat in my living room and read from my favorite devotional. A book that was given to me by a wonderful couple who have been a part of my life since I was a child. The devotional is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This morning's message was appropriate for the week we are celebrating. It was talking about a thankful attitude and how it opens the windows of heaven where we are given glimpses of eternity. I envisioned this in two ways. The first was a beautiful Colonial on top of a bright hill, the windows open, revealing soft cotton curtains blowing out. The view inside was obscurred because of the light outside of the house, but it was such a welcoming scene that I imagined wanting to be in that house and seeing what happens inside such a splendid home. The second image was that of a home at night. This time I was able to peer in the windows because the house was lit up. In each room, there was warmth and a feeling of family. The light inside was welcoming as with the light on the outside of the first home. I want to be in both of these homes. I love the glimpses I get right now of heaven. They are exactly as I have described these two scenes. It is amazing that I cannot humanly comprehend what heaven will be like. I think about that. I think about some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen and I know they are but a speck of what the true beauty of heaven will offer me.

I am thankful that I have been blessed with the knowledge of heaven. That I have been given the opportunity to express my faith. I imagine how differently this past year would have been without my Heavenly Father holding me. Without him to cry to in sadness and pain. Without him looking out for me and my girls. How sad it is for people who don't have my God in their lives to help them through the rough patches. I want everyone to have him and know him.

I sat there this morning surrounded and aware of all of the many blessings that I have to be thankful for. It has been a rough road on my way to that house, but with each hiccup along the way, God has created so many more things to be thankful for. Is my life what I planned it to be? No, but it is exactly what God planned it to be. And for that I am truly thankful.