Twelve Things I’m Grateful For On the 12th
A friend posts each week a “Thankful Thursday” prompt asking us what we are thankful for. This week’s prompt asked, “What season are you grateful for?” Here is my answer.
My season of grief.
Yes, I’m thankful for this season of walking through grief. During this season…
I’ve grown closer to Jesus and come to understand Truth in ways I’d never seen before. I have a burning desire to learn more truth about God, eternity, heaven, and the kingdom of God here and now.
I’ve experienced the most devastating pain I could imagine and survived. I’ve lived through it and found healing, hope, and peace in Christ.
Our marriage is stronger because we’ve walked through this season together.
Our adult children are closer to us and each other. They’ve learned to stand when they wanted to curl up in a hole and die themselves. They’ve learned compassion for others who are hurting.
Friends have loved us well and in the process have learned to love those who grieve.
God has shown himself to be faithful in ways I couldn’t see before.
I’ve learned compassion, something I honestly lacked in many ways.
I’ve learned to forgive those who hurt me. Many of them were trying their best; ignorance, not malice, caused them to say the things they did.
I know how to comfort others in their affliction because God had comforted me in my affliction. Before I could only offer trite platitudes.
I’ve met friends that share this pain and yet walk through it with grace and strength none of us knew we had in us.
I’ve found strength in Christ I never thought was possible.
I’ve learned to write. I’ve become an author. I’ve written books that, by the grace of God, are helping others heal and find Jesus.
I’ve learned that as a disciple of Christ I never suffer alone. I suffer with Jesus in order that I may also be glorified with Him.
I’m excited to see what other blessings God is going to bring out of my suffering.
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The Accident was on August 12, 2013. For months the 12th brought me to tears. Then, about a year later, I decided to choose gratitude and healing rather than sorrow. Thus “Twelve Things I am Thankful for on the 12th”
Gratitude, Grief, seasons of life
Maureen
I’ve enjoyed reading your last two blogs so I’m signing up for more!
Thanks for sharing your heart! Jesus shines through!!!!!
KathleenBDuncan
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my blogs! My desire is to glorify God. Thanks for the encouragement.
teachezwell
Wow. That is so God! I’m sad about the reasons but Jesus never fails us. What a God-glorifying post. Thank you for sharing so honestly, as always.
KathleenBDuncan
God is faithful. Even when I’m not. I’m grateful.