Thanksgiving - a day late

This has been a week full of emotions. On Monday I flew to Columbus to spend a few days with my family in Ohio. My sister Penny had surgery on Sunday as a result of some cancer issues. It is never easy to see someone you love experiencing pain. Everything inside of me wishes I could be the one laying in that hospital bed recovering. I wish I was the one pushing the morphine pump and struggling to take walks down the hallway. But more than likely Penny is recovering faster and tougher than most people would. Her resolve to get better and faith in God inspires everyone around her. I told her back in January when she was first diagnosed that I was 100% confident that she could handle all this disease would throw her way. She has proved me right and then some. I am very proud of her.

I flew back to MN on Wednesday and yesterday was simply a wonderful day. Gretchen's entire Iowa family came up from Iowa to celebrate with us. Both of her sister's families are crashing at our place for the weekend and her parents are staying at a nearby hotel (they weren't up for all of the craziness). We also had our friends Dan & Heidi with their two girls with us along with three new friends from India. Two of them are International students at the U and the other one is working in the states but just arrived in MN a month ago. As we all took a turn sharing a few things we are thankful for it became clearly evident once again that God is the giver of all great gifts. I heard people giving thanks for a lesson in contentment, the joy of doing what they want to do in life, family, friends, church, good job, life, etc., etc., etc. My father-in-law Gary ended the sharing time by saying how great it was to hear everyone share. He told us it brought such joy and amazement for His Savior to hear our thanksgivings because these were many things he has prayed for over the last few years. He said he prays for us everyday (family that is) and it is great to hear and know that his Savior hears these requests and is alive & working in this world.

I have great hope today because Jesus lives. And although my heart is heavy and I find my thoughts & soul existing in two places, I can move forward because I am truly experiencing this peace Paul describes that "surpasses all understanding". So thank you God for a treasured four days. I am blessed to be Your child and walk this life fully with You step by step.

Start the Christmas music!