Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful Thursday

"I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God" Helen Keller

Who'd think that anyone could be grateful for being born blind, deaf and dumb. But Helen Keller was. She discovered a secret that enabled her to rise above her handicaps and limitations. That's the kind of gratitude I want. Not just to be grateful for the neat things that happen but also all the tough stuff....the not so pretty things.....the problems....the mess-ups....the disappointments. So this week I'm thankful for things like......

-not having extended family...no grandparents for my kids....or aunts and uncles or cousins except a sister who lives too far away. I think b/c of that it's opened the door more to developing the great friendships I have.
-too many moves and changes......having to leave friends.....homes.....and familiar surroundings. It's given me resilience and a sense that no matter what......I can always start over.
-that it's taken so long to feel free and happy. I am pretty happy now, but it would have been nice if it hadn't taken so long....just saying.....
-Something I worked really hard on didn't work out the way I wanted......but still....I got so much fun just doing it.  
-mostly for not trusting Him right from the start. I fought and struggled too much, but now...it's like our friendship has been tested and I know He's not going anywhere and neither am I. That's the ultimate best.

11 comments:

Mary said...

Hi Nikki, what an amazing gift, not only to know from reading it or secondhand that he if faithful, but to have experienced it firsthand that he is always faithful.

I think it takes the struggle...but there is nothing better...yes, "the ultimate best".

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Grace, peace and love to you!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Good morning Nikki,
I so appreciate your honesty! Through all the struggles, loneliness, etc, you can still count on Him. 'He's not going anywhere and neither are you.' Thanks for peeking in on me and saying Hello. I love your visits! I think about you often and during this very busy but lovely season which is fast approaching, I pray that His love and joy will fill your heart and your home. Sending you hugs today.

Blessings,
Sandi

Amrita said...

Helen Keller is my hero.
Happy Thanksgiving

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving Nikki..
I am thankful for the friend that you are. :)

I am trying to be thankful for this last year, too. It was the kind that tried my soul. There were times I did not know if I would make it, but now a year later I am grateful to God that he walked me through it. I am thankful for you because you always knew when to send me a little encouragement during the darkest times when I really needed it.

Hugs,
Tammy

Debby@Just Breathe said...

((HUGS))
Happy Thanksgiving.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Blessings to you, my friend. I hope you have a glorious weekend.

highheeledlife said...

Dearest Nikki, though at times we may be weak.. HE is there each and every moment and steering us onto the path of our purpose. Along the way we are blessed to meet other wonderful people (such as yourself).

Wishing you a fabulous and most blessed Thanksgiving. XO HHL

Karen said...

This was a soul-searching post, Nikki...and so very moving...I am thankful for you, too...and for the words of wisdom you share with your readers...you gave me a great "Hallelujah Anyhow" moment!

Denise said...

Such an awe inspiring post, love you my friend.

Of One Heart said...

Nikki, I'm whistling at your determination to perfect your happiness here!

Tracie Nall said...

I found myself being VERY thankful for something this week, that on the outside is very tough, and not a blessing...but with it comes a chance to make something better.

I know that through this new hard thing, God has made a way to take care of some already existing problems.

And just today, God provided help for getting through this time.