Thankful Thursday - Facing the Chaos

I think I'm ready to come back out of blogiverse oblivion, and what better time to do so than a Thursday... and what better post to return with than one of thankfulness? I am learning - thanks to a book that has been very difficult to read - to find blessing in brokeness. I have a lot more to be thankful for than I ever dreamed.

Dear Lord,
Thank You:

• For the mess in my house. It means I have a house to live in and four children to dirty it up.
• For unexpected solutions when I've stopped hoping. You know the plans You have for me, and they are good ones. Help me learn to trust that even the struggles are part of the "best" You have waiting for me.
• For the wonders of the human mind and modern medicine. Even though science has tried to leave You behind, I know You are the author of all good things, including human discovery.
• For being a God who doesn't need me, but who shows me over and over again that You want me.
• For being good to those who hope is in You. You are my portion. (Lamentations 3) Remind me of that - with a 2x4 if necessary - when I forget.
• For friends who have seen the ugliest side of me - and still love me. Thank You for the people You've brought into my life who have been willing to walk with me and get on their knees for me, even though I know it hasn't been easy for them. And thank You for being their comfort in the storm.
• Most of all Lord, thank You for the chaos. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever get better and if the crises will ever stop pouring in. Today I'm thankful for each crisis, because I am alive to face them. Thank You for my life and another day to live it.

Amen