This week in my English lessons at the Christian school I talked about Thanksgiving. It was fun to teach these Ukrainian children about our celebration...not just the food and football part, but the real reason we have the holiday. It was a great opportunity to have them share what they were thankful for, and it was a great opportunity to get me thinking about all my blessings.
This season is a little tougher than ones in the past--knowing that my dad is not around. Although it has been many years since I was in the states for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I could always count on that afternoon phone call with the full description of the meal, the latest antics of the grandkids, or the newest joke. I always felt a little bit like I was "home for the holidays'.
Even though it is tougher this year...I find many things that I am thankful for just the same. I am thankful that I was loved and supported through the years by my mother and father. I am thankful that I grew up in a family that went to church and taught me the importance of faith and hope. I am thankful for a church that was (and is) strong in the word and evangelistic. I am thankful for Godly men and women that encouraged me in my Christian walk. I am thankful for feeling wanted, loved, and prayed for.
I am thankful that God has provided me with an opportunity to serve Him in Ukraine, and for the people that I have met because of this time....supporters, visitors, fellow missionaries, and Ukrainians. I am thankful for the blessing of touching the lives of children that have not been as fortunate as I was growing up. I am thankful for a God-given love and desire to see these children cared for and protected.
Don't let this holiday season pass without telling those that you love that you are thankful for them. Too soon they may be gone.
So...I am thankful for you!!! Whoever you are reading this right now--whether family, friend, or casual guest. Thank you that you cared enough to stop for a moment to listen to my ramblings. I wish you and yours a very thankful Thanksgiving Day!
In His Hope,
Becky
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name." Psalms 100:4
2 comments:
Becky, I'm thankful for you, too! You're an amazing person who is touching so many lives. I admire all that you do and especially appreciate the time you spent helping my kids adjust to family life.
Becky,
I am thankful that you are in those orphanages now, caring for the fatherless, and letting them know that they are precious in His eyes. I see Him in their eyes all the time. Thank you for being there and going through the hard part when noone comes for them. Sixteen is a terrible time to age out and face your future, when noone is there to help. Perhaps that is His plan for you. I can't say, but you might be Mother to the Fatherless.
Felix
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