Thankful Thursday

It's been a hard couple of weeks

as a family, we have watched Mom Martin steadily decline

her body is giving up its fight, and physical death draws near

but in the midst of that, I'm thankful for her faith

even when her words are barely discernible, her trust in Jesus is clear

her favorite song recently is "I will rise and go to Jesus"

and she will start singing it at any moment

I'm thankful too for family

I'm the in-law (some would say the outlaw!)

but I've seen the family rally together and support one another

and it blesses me to see the bond and to know my wife has the support of her siblings and dad

I'm thankful God is the Father of mercy and the God of all comfort

I'm thankful for the glimpses of His care I've seen these last couple of weeks

I'm thankful for His faithfulness

in a couple days I will turn 60

I've had a lot of years to experience God's faithfulness

and I can attest with the psalmist that I've not seen the righteous forsaken

as I age, I become more and more aware of my need of God's grace

I recognize how lacking I am in the wisdom department

but God promises to give grace and supply wisdom

and He delivers

I'm thankful He isn't reproachful when I express my needs

I'm thankful God is generous and kind

I'm thankful He is forgiving

I'm thankful for His transforming work throughout my life

although the next few weeks and months will be a grieving time

I'm thankful we don't sorrow as those who have no hope

I'm thankful Jesus has paved the way for me to have an eternal hope

and grateful He is preparing and eternal home for all those who put their trust in Him

just this morning, I was reading Ps. 121

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber...The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand."

these are precious promises that become even richer when we see the end of life approaching

I'm thankful God is a promise keeper

I'm thankful He is waiting on the other side to welcome Mom into her new home

I'm thankful God has blessed my life by sharing her with me

thankful for the memories I will carry with me