Thankful Thursday

Well, it's been a few weeks

life's been busy!

my wife and I travelled to Missouri to celebrate Mother's Day with our daughter and her family

little did we know that a surprise was in store for us

when we got there on Friday evening, both of our daughters came walking out of the house!

our younger daughter who lives in Louisiana drove up with her husband to spend the weekend with us

what a special blessing that was

I'm thankful for the joy that brought to my wife

I'm thankful too for the time we were able to spend together, building relationships, encouraging each other, laughing together

I'm so grateful for the family God has blessed me with

just like in any family, we have our moments

but I'm able to see God's hand drawing us together, bringing healing and growth

I'm thankful He is patient with me and never abandons me

thankful God continues to teach me as a husband and father

my Missouri daughter and her family had just moved into a new house just before we went out

she had a wish list of projects for me to work on

I'm thankful for that opportunity to serve them

I love doing that kind of thing, using the gifts and skills God has blessed me with to bless others

and I'm thankful she felt comfortable asking me for help

the biggest project was replacing and unsafe railing system around the large stairwell opening in their main room.  It was a group effort, and it turned out beautifully

I'm thankful for God's help with that project

I'm thankful for the time to invest in our kids and grandkids

thankful too for safety in our travels

we put a lot of miles on the car, and through no fault of my own, we made it there and back without incident

I'm thankful for God's artistic ability

we've been enjoying evenings in our back yard admiring the beautiful sunsets

it always amazes me how each day brings something different 

God is a God of variety; He's built it into all of creation

I'm thankful for eyes to be able to see the beauty He's created

and thankful for time to share it with my wife

I'm thankful for quiet moments to reflect on my Savior and His love for me and all mankind

I'm thankful God is generous 

thankful He gives out of His abundance and not grudgingly

I'm tired--I fell asleep at the dinner table this evening

so I'l wrap this up and let my head find the pillow

I'm thankful God is good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth!