Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Thanksgiving

This blog is admittedly, mainly fluff. I usually don't have time or energy to try to make myself look like a prolific writer or appear eloquent in any way. I'm not either of those things, and I've come to accept this about myself among many, many other faults. However, now is the time to remember how thankful I am for my two most important earthly blessings, my husband and my children.

When I met and agreed to marry Colin I knew the most important things about him. Namely, what he believed about God and how he believed he should obey Him. There were many aspects of Colin that were a surprise, but in a very, very good way. One aspect is that He is an extremely hard worker. I really had no idea to look for this in a husband, nor did I realize how incredibly important that particular characteristic would be to me and my children. It has blessed me financially, but it has also taught me how lazy I was. Really, really lazy. And the worst part was that I had no idea. But the best part is that I'm learning to be a harder worker, and to enjoy the fruits of labor which I would have otherwise never seen.

The second blessing is of course my children, collectively speaking that is, of course I know there is more than one of them. I used to say, before I had children, that I always wanted at least six kids. After number two came along, I was sure I couldn't handle anymore. But, God in His great wisdom and mercy and patience, taught me that I know nothing. He so far has given me four more kids. We'll see what he's got in store for me later :) Through these kids, I've learned to trust and rely upon God better than I ever could have if I'd only had those first two. I've learned to be more patient, to be more selfless, and to be more organized. I've also learned that I can work harder and longer on much less sleep and while more exhausted than I could have ever imagined. And it's all been a blessing, albeit not always the fun or pleasant one that I imagined. On the other hand, sometimes more joyful and beautiful than I could have ever dreamed.

Psalm 128
A song of ascents.
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.


3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table
.

2 comments:

kristi said...

Hey Emily - what a sweet post! I have to say you have been quite and example to me. I remember sitting in your kitchen and being blessed by your words in what a wife is and should be. You've really made efforts to live up to those words! I still think on them and I actually understand what you meant all the more as the years go by. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed so it takes me a bit longer...

It's so wonderful to see how God has used your husband and children to make you a better woman. And to be able to have real joy and see what is truly beautiful - well, my dear, you are living!!!

May the Lord continue to bless you as He has in these last years - may this next year be your best yet!!!

Big hugs!

Thankful,
kristi

Anonymous said...

We see things through such similar lenses, my blogger friend. Amen to this post.

:o)