Giving thanks

Now that the turkey and its trimmings have become leftovers, and life has quieted down at least for a few days, I wanted to take some time to list out a handful of the many things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. So here goes:

• For Jesus's death on the cross and the hope of heaven.  For the hope that, as a citizen of heaven, Timmy's body (and Marshall's and mine, too for that matter) will be transformed to be like Christ's  - and that he will then have all the energy he could possibly need.  He won't need hand splints or leg braces.  He will be able to see and hear and run and jump and sit and stand and smile and giggle.  (See Philippians 3:20-21)


• For my husband, who has loved me and been my partner through the joys and trials of nearly 10 years of marriage.


• That the Lord has held our family together and provided for our needs. It has definitely not always happened in the way I would have liked or expected, but surely He knows what is best better than I do.


• For Timmy. For his comfort. For his newfound ability to fall asleep when tired. For the giggles and the smiles. For each time he holds up his head or makes progress toward sitting or standing or crawling. For the cute button nose and those adorable blue eyes with the long, long lashes.


• For the way that our families have supported us. For the sacrifices they have made to visit. For gifts of time, money, toys, clothes, music and handyman skills - just to name a few.  For video chats during the times when they are far away.


• For our nieces and nephews, both born and on the way.


• For so many friends who have given of their prayers, friendship, time, food, money, car, tires for the car, laundry skills, medical skills, haircutting skills, chiropractor skills, babysitting, dog-sitting, gifts & gift cards, clothes, furniture, diapers, trips to the store, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc. - even a star named after Timmy!  :-)  We are just in awe of everyone's generosity toward us this year, and so thankful.  I'm behind on my thank-you notes, but I want you to know that we appreciate it all.  It is also just so incredible to know that if we have a problem as a family, we have people that we can call who are eager to help.