Since joining the InspyRomance team last spring, I’ve always worked ahead on my posts. When November arrived, I said, “God, please give me a message for this month’s blog post. But not about Thanksgiving. Everyone else will be posting about that.”
Do you know what happens when we give God directions? He laughs!
As my deadline approached, I kept praying but didn’t receive any inspiration.
My son-in-law went on a business trip last week and brought back…a cold (or something), and then shared it with all of us–his wife, their 8-month-old baby, and yours truly. This week has been difficult, to say the least. Whomever is feeling the least lousy at any given moment cares for the sweet, sick baby and works to feed and water everyone else, including the dogs.
So here I sit, the day before my deadline, coughing and blowing my nose, with nothing to submit. And then the still, small Voice whispers one of my favorite phrases: There is always, always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
Before I left their house last night, my daughter mentioned several things for which she was thankful in the midst of the storm that has been this week. I added to that list. As I turned into my driveway, God dropped the perfect thought into my mind: incredible blessings.
I wrote a blog at the end of 2020 titled The Incredible Blessings of 2020. That was a storm unlike anything the world had experienced in our time, a life-changing, tumultuous year that affects us to this day. Here is a summation of those thoughts:
- Health: When the pandemic hit, I panicked like everyone else. Being over 60 put me into the “higher risk” or “vulnerable” category. A couple of underlying medical conditions added to that. There were so many unanswered questions. But we have learned a lot over the last eight months, and working closely with my health care providers, I have come to realize that I’m not as “vulnerable” as first feared. My chronic neurological condition will have no bearing if I happen to contract COVID-19. In addition, I’ve been able to make some changes and bring several factors of my health under better control. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in for many years and took ZERO sick days from work in 2020. ZERO!
- Finances: The most incredible financial blessing of 2020 for me is that I still have a job and didn’t miss a paycheck the entire year. I can’t emphasize enough what that means. In addition, I have the option of working from home part of the time, and in an isolated room onsite the other part. I am incredibly fortunate and blessed.
- I was able to get a puppy in late October. This was something I had been planning on for about a year, and it came about quickly and unexpectedly. The companionship has been a real blessing. Having a little ball of fluff to hug throughout the day lifts my spirits.
- My mantra in 2021 will be that no matter what comes, there is still always, always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for, and I will take comfort in one of God’s most precious promises, that He will not change, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
That is still my mantra as we head into 2024. My dear reader friends, how may I pray for you today in your storm? Leave a comment—no details required—and be assured that I will pray on your behalf. It may not change the outcome, but you will feel less alone.
*MACY is a border collie mix with some Aussie
Erin has been writing faith-based romance novels for almost a decade. She is published in multiple formats and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), where she has served as a judge, category coordinator, and was a 2021 Carol Award finalist. Grounding her novels in reality, Erin crafts characters who encounter events and hardships familiar to everyone. Her inspirational writing will take the reader down paths of both joy and pain, but always highlighting God’s faithfulness.
Happy Thanksgiving Erin, Inspy Romance Authors and Readers. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to you Erin and your family. My oldest son and family has also been suffering from a cold and then their water heater leaked and died, plus my son had a major design project due, 10 year old granddaughter had a variety show – this during the week of my right eye cataract surgery. Since we live close by son and grandsons took showers at our house and I did my granddaughters laundry so she had the leggings her singing group was wearing at the variety show. As you stated so much to be THANKFUL for – even as we age. Thankful we live near family, thankful eye surgery went well, thankful to have the ability to help, thankful for my eye surgeon, thankful for friends and my reading community. Thankful my near eyesight is improving daily so I can read! Thankful for warm weather – no snow storms in the Midwest area. Best wishes to all.
Thank you, Renate, for sharing God’s goodness to your family in the midst of a big storm. As they say, an “attitude of gratitude” changes everything. I will pray that your sight is restored very soon. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving season!
Happy Thanksgiving!! My “concern” this year is that I’m waiting to find out pathology results for my stereotactic biopsy I had last Thursday. I knew going in I’d not find out before Thanksgiving, though they said “three to six days” I figured it’d be the longest possible for me. Last time I had one, it was over Fourth of July weekend, so I’ve set a precedent!! lol!! No matter how this turns out, I know God is in control, and however it turns out, I’ll be fine.
Trudy, I know how hard waiting is. I’m praying that God will calm your spirit and bring His most precious promises to your mind. Cling to the assurance that He is in control. Wishing you and yours a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving.
Good afternoon, your post is very inspirational Thank you so very much! And your pup is Beautiful! Yes, Thank God for family that lives close by. Our daughter and her little family live about 3 blocks from us and we have helped each other out many of times. May you and your family have a Blessed Thanksgiving and I will be praying for you alls health. God Bless you all. There is so much we need to be Thankful for.
Thank you, Alicia. I love my Macy! I moved to be close to family and am so thankful. I’m glad you can be near yours. Indeed we don’t need to look far to find abundant blessings all around us. Wishing you and your family a memorable and blessed holiday.
Hoping you are all feeling better soon Erin. You are so right, there is always so much to be thankful for even in the midst of difficult times. It’s so interesting to look back at your thoughts from 2020 and see how you found those points of gratitude.
I have three young children I am so grateful for, but I do feel we’re in a bit of a challenging season at the moment with toddler teething, sleepless nights and continuing to settle into the first year of school, so picking out the points for gratitude is very important!
Thank you for your kind thoughts, Ruthie. I’ve walked the road you’re on now, and the upcoming winter months (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) are always a challenge. I remember long weeks (and even months) on end when someone was always getting sick, in the middle of sick, or recovering. Ramp up the vitamin D for everyone and I’ll pray you get through the season in good health. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thank you so much. I am so sorry that you all have a cold or something. This is the first holiday season without my Mom being on the earth. She lived in a nursing home for two years before she went into Jesus’ arms in January. I was able to share and talk to her over the phone on the holidays. My husband and I are disabled. I was not able to see her as often as I would have liked. I recently have been able to get out more with an electric wheelchair. We fixed the dressing for the turkey tonight. I made it the way she taught me. It is so different not being able to call her on the phone and share with her all that has happening in our world. I miss my Mom so much. God bless you.
Debra, I have experienced your pain. My mom has been gone 23 years, and there are still times I want to pick up the phone to call her. I hope sweet memories of your mom will comfort you as you prepare your Thanksgiving meal. Don’t be afraid to let the tears fall–it’s all part of the grieving process. You will be in my prayers.
I enjoyed your post and the puppy pictures! Enjoy your grand baby! Mine just turned 2! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Linda. Aren’t grandbabies the best? Right around age 2 is when they start having a real relationship with me. Enjoy every moment!