Reasons I’m Thankful This Year

As many of you know, it’s been a hard year for my family. And because of that, it’s tough to see the good and be thankful when you’re surrounded by pain, heartache and sorrow. Lately I’ve felt overwhelmed with everything going on. I micro focus on the bad news without even considering the hope that we still have. It weighs down on me like a heavy blanket, and makes even the good things around me not feel as “good” any more.  But thanks be to God that he has provided people in my life to remind me to cast my cares on Him. He has given me so much grace during this time of turmoil, and I am forever grateful for the encouragement my family and I have received this year. 

So this Thanksgiving I decided to take a moment to think about what I’m truly thankful for. I don’t want this time of the year to be marred by negativity, but rather focused on all the things God has provided. And y’all… Theres is SO much to be thankful for, even in the middle of heartache. 

Reasons I’m Thankful This Year

First and foremost, I’m thankful for the hope we have in the Lord. 
This hope is what’s gotten me through the past 13 months. This hope is what gives me the knowledge that there is SO much more that what’s going on right now. And this hope is what gives me purpose in life. I have hope in the ultimate healing of my dad. I have hope in a future free of the worries of this world. And that Hope has chosen me to be His… What an amazing gift that is! 

I’m thankful for my family.
For the laughter, the memories, the unconditional love. They’re the best.

I’m thankful for my husband.
He has been such a solid support system, especially concerning my dad, and I can’t imagine life without him. Isaac and I have been together for seven years, but these past two and a half years of marriage have been my favorite years ever. He’s always making me laugh, supportive of me in whatever crazy idea I come up with (like, you know, starting a photography business from ground zero), understanding, compassionate and hardworking. I love him so much, and I’m so very thankful that our little high school romance turned into so much more.
Oh and Lillie. I’m always thankful for Lille. ;)

I’m thankful for my church.
When Isaac and I joined Foundation Baptist two years ago, we had no idea how much the Lord would bless us through it. We’ve met some of the sweetest people, and formed lifelong friendships that I know will stand the test of time. We’ve had an amazing support system during this time with my dad, and the generosity that has been poured out on us brings tears to my eyes. Isaac and I have found ourselves time and time again looking at each other and saying “we have an amazing church”, and it’s so true! Even though we’re just a bunch of sinners that gather together, it’s amazing to see the grace of God still shine through as we worship Him. 

I’m thankful for my photography business.
Y’all… I can’t even begin to explain how unbelievable this past year has been for me. What started as a fun little side business has become so much more! I never thought I’d be where I am today when I started a year ago, and I know it’s all because of the Lord. Every client who has reached out to me, every friendship I’ve been able to make, and every smile I’ve captured has been because of Him. 

I’m thankful for the “little things”.
Things like always having food on the table. Our apartment. Fall scented candles. Coffee in the morning. A bed to sleep in. Hot water. A fridge. Our washer and dryer. The garage. My craft closet. The green recliner. Pandora Michael W. Smith Christmas station. The ability to walk and run. Sore muscles. Clothes. Chocolate. Hallmark Christmas movies. And so much more. 

When you take the time to stop and truly think about all the things you are thankful for- all the things you have been blessed with- it’s funny how your mindset changes. Yes, I’m still heartbroken over my dad, and still praying for his healing (and ultimately God’s will to be done), but there is SO MUCH more around me than that. I praise God because He reminded me of that today. I praise Him because I have Hope. I praise Him because He chose me. And I praise Him because even when the world feels like it’s falling apart around me, He is still constant, unchanging, faithful and sovereign. All glory be to Him! 

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
    and a great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:1-3

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17