I'm not thankful (a reality show in three parts)

Part 1.

It's the eve of Thanksgiving, 4:37 P.M, and  I'm not thankful.

I'm not thankful that my house is a wreck less than 24 hours before it should be a beautiful, delicious smelling hub of grateful festivity.

I AM thankful that the mess consists of a game that we all had fun playing yesterday (when I was more motivated to play than work), but that never got put away.  And also a music stand where a flute was practiced by a girl who loves her instrument.

I'm not thankful that there is not one square inch of available counter space to start stuffing a turkey or making a pumpkin roll.

I AM thankful that part of the clutter is a botany experiment of my budding scientist,

and some platters that my Moms in Touch group filled with goodies to let the staffs at our kids' schools know that they are appreciated.

I'm not thankful that I cannot find my dining room table (or floor), much less imagine setting it for a feast on short order.

I AM thankful that much of that stuff came from a friend who needed help preparing for a move, and was stuff we will be able to use. (Yay for free school supplies!)

I am not thankful the friend and her family have moved, at all.  I AM thankful that God brought them into our lives as a blessing, and that we can encourage them as they follow his call on their lives.

I'm not thankful that the top of the stairs is littered with everything the kids had with them when they came in the door today.

I AM thankful that they were happy to get here and eager to enjoy four relaxing days of family time.  I love having them here.

Part 2.

Honestly?  There are some other things in this season of our lives that I am not thankful for.  It's been a season of transition, and it has brought some difficulties with it.  Difficulties we wouldn't have wished for, but that have helped us and our kids grow and learn things that couldn't have been learned any other way.  And for that, I AM thankful.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I am not thankful FOR these things...but I am thankful IN these things.  Life, at its best, is a challenge.  To give thanks in ALL circumstances is not an easy thing to do, but it is a life-giving choice.

God is always up to something, after all.  Something good for us.  Something good IN us.  Easy is not his objective.

Part 3.

5:24 P.M.  That's more like it. The difference an hour can make!

I guess I better get back to work.  It seems a lot more manageable now.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

And may a grateful heart be at the top of your list of blessings.