Immeasurably More Than All We Ask...
I haven't blogged much this past week and a half. Why? Much like you, I have been knee-deep in Thanksgiving preparations - getting ready for my kids and g-baby to arrive, cleaning the house, shopping, cooking, and spending a bit of down time with my husband, as we've taken a week off from work. In the midst of it all, I found my mind unable to focus enough to write, as it was literally running in what seemed to be a million different directions - excitement began to build and anticipation knocked on my door with thoughts of my house being full with my family.
So here I am the night before Thanksgiving. My son, Adam and daughter-in-love Rachael, as well as my perfect g-baby, Reid, have been here since Monday. We've talked, eaten, watched marathon television, eaten again, spent a fun day at Epcot, prepped for Thanksgiving, and yes, eaten some more. To say it's been balm to my soul is a grand understatement. I don't think I even realized how despeparate I was to spend quality time with my kids. Living 600 miles away from them has been one of the greatest adjustments I've ever been required to make, forcing us to become creative and very intentional in staying connected. Without a doubt, God's led and guided us along the way. We've worked hard at it, and I believe have been a bit successful, but there's nothing like being in the same room with those you love. It's been wonderful to say the least.
My heart is currently doing additional flips, as my youngest (very single) son, Zach, will be arriving via America Airlines at midnight tonight. He's my 26 year old baby, and his arrival will make our Thanksgiving celebration complete. I've missed his quirkiness and his sense of humor like crazy. I've even missed his no-fear, dare-devil craziness. He's a riot! I've made his favorite Ritz cracker/peanut butter/white chocolate goodies, as well as his beloved pumpkin pie, in anticipation of spoiling him just a bit. I can't wait until he gets here. I am so very grateful for my family.
As I sit on the couch for a few minutes, desperately trying to catch my breath just a bit, I find myself incredibly grateful, not only for my family, but for you. Thank you so much for your love, encouragement, and friendship. I cannot even begin to put into words how much you mean to me by giving me the chance to express my thoughts, concerns, and beliefs though the written word and this blog. Thank you for reading as well as replying. Thank you for investing in me with your love and your time. I don't take it for granted. You are priceless to me.
My prayer is that God pours out His greatest, most outrageous, and biggest blessings upon you and your family during this Holiday Season. I pray He gives you great peace and joy and that it overflows to everyone around you. I pray that your house literally overflows with laughter. I pray He gives you great opportunities and even greater courage to do them. I pray your relationships with those you love are deepened and strengthened. Most of all, I pray you hear Him, experience Him, and see Him more than you ever have before - more than you can even imagine.
He's the God of the Universe, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He can take you to greater heights than you could ever imagine. He can empower you as you never thought possible. It doesn't matter if you're "qualified" (by the world's standards) or not, as He will give more than you need - exactly when you need it. He'll never leave you stranded. Promise.
He loves you and He loves me more than we can even comprehend, and for this I am most thankful. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." He sees you and He hears you. He always has and He always will.
All this said, I wish you the most blessed of Thanksgivings. I am thankful for you, my friends. I love you and I am blessed by you. I pray you and your families have the most Happy of Thanksgivings.
Thank you for reading and partnering with me!