“Every good and perfect gift comes from above….” (James 1:17)

Today, like millions of others, I participated in some serious Thanksgiving gluttony. And, thanks to splitting time between two families, I am looking forward to repeating the process on Saturday. I also, like many other neurotic parents succumbing to Christmas duties, perused and circled Black Friday deals and mentally prepared for our shopping adventure tomorrow.

And I sat reflecting, reading my friends Facebook posts, I made my own list of gratitude. I am grateful for my beautiful children, the love of my husband, my family and friends and the blurred line between the two. I am grateful for my health, my job, my church and the infinite luxuries and comforts I am afforded purely by the luck of being born an American citizen.

As I sat and looked at this list of big and small things, the invisible thread of God became ever apparent — linking it all together as a result of infinite grace. And most of all that is what I am thankful for.

When I found out I was pregnant my senior year of college a gracious  Savior heard me crying out for help– and interceded. The mercy of Christ  moved Nathan’s heart to not only become my husband but to join in a marriage to honor God. The grace of God gave us a healthy son. The grace of God offered restoration to a rift between my sister and I. The grace of God led me to my calling and a career in education when I was struggling to find purpose. And the grace and mercy of Christ allowed us to grow our family and gave me a daughter.

And the grace of God continues to cover my sin, shame, pride, stupidity, impatience and imperfection. Forever.

And on the days that I choose to forget this grace that made this very life I live be possible and wallow in the discontent of an imperfect world, may God forgive me.

Today I am full with a thankful heart.

“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good!

           His faithful love endures forever.

Has he redeemed you? Then speak out!

         Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies!” 

Psalms 107:1-2 NLT