Thankful Post #5

After being without reliable internet for a few days, I declare that I am thankful for the internet. I never thought I’d say it, but it’s true.

Additionally, the following pictures show what else I’m thankful for.

1. Smoked meat. In fact, just food in general. Jim and I were imagining with the kids the other night what life would be like if there was no variety in the area of food. Imagine eating the same thing every day, with little flavor. Good food is a gift! And we ate much over the weekend.

2. A grandpa who is spry enough to be THE one who carves the turkey each Thanksgiving. This year, his timing was such that as soon as he arrived, he made a beeline for the kitchen, put on the apron, took the electric knife my mom was holding out to him and began carving. The hellos came later.

3. Baby fixes. Never quite enough, but oh-so-sweet.

4. The kids’ table. We all had to serve time there as kids, right?

5. Generations. Four were represented in our family this weekend. This is a shot of some of the males.

6. Cousins, young…

and cousins old. The older cousins imparting wisdom into the younger ones. On this particular morning, Jackie was describing to the boys how to go whale-watching on Lake Michigan.

 

7. Trampolines. They help children expend energy and provide entertainment for adults.

I could go on. Actually, if I took the time to think about all the gifts I’ve been given, I could probably go on forever. But the theme that kept pressing on me was GOD’S GRACE.

Every one of these things I’m thankful for is totally, completely undeserved. I know very well what I deserve, but because of His great love, He has shown me grace. When I read about the woman who “sinned much” and, upon realizing who Jesus was, anointed his feet with expensive oil, wiped his feet with her hair, and made quite a scene with her affection, I can relate.

When the men in the room shamed her for her behavior, here is what Jesus said:

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

I have sinned much. And I have been forgiven much. Knowing this fact is the one thing which motivates me to be thankful in all circumstances, for all things. His grace is enough.