Thanksgiving, a perspective.....

Thanksgiving will always be effected by our perspectives in life. For example, last year, I was thankful I still had Mom. This year, I am thankful I still have Mom......For both years, the object of my gratefulness is the same, but.......Last year, as I missed Daddy, having Mom was a comfort. This year, that she is still with us is the blessing for which I am thankful. The Lord has seen fit to leave her here with us just one more day, for several months now.

As the Lord slowly pries my fingers away from things that are most precious to me, He has begun to help change my perspectives. He encourages me to see and "be thankful" for situations in life that I would not be inclined to appreciate. These are difficulties, hardships, frustrations, struggles from which I run. I seek to avoid circumstances that cause me pain. I don't want to suffer. But I do want to grow in my relationship with Him. I do want to know him more intimately.

So, as I begin to examine what causes me the most "pain" in life, I begin to have some understanding. Or at least some considerations.....How often do my struggles represent areas or items that draw my focus, love or energies away from the One I say I want to know better? Are they at the very least a distraction? Is He freeing me from those things that will in the long run cause me more pain? Do I insist on dragging my bag of "things" along with me as I try to follow Him in service? The rich young ruler walked away sad.....am I so very different?

What makes me sad? Why does it make me sad? When I get to the bottom line, is it pride? Selfishness? Do I think I know better than He what I need for my happiness and so I rebel, struggle and despair???? I certainly do know the "Sunday School" answer concerning priorities, but, in practice, what is my reality? Wow. Need some uninterrupted "muse" time. I think this will go deeper than I might realize....

But, today, I am thankful to share life with my family, Mom especially. She is growing weaker physically, but stronger in her desire to be side by side with her Savior. As we talked the other night, I told her I want that for her, too. For her, to think about the next step can be nothing less than glorious. I can't imagine. Well, I can imagine, but for sure the best of my imaginings will be pitiful compared to the reality of what she has in store. Not so excited about what that means for me. But that's me thinking about me......yep.....things that must be considered.....

"Let me burn out for Thee..."

Today was a good day......at least it has been so far. This Sunday morning, both Charles Stanley and David Jeremiah got beat out for a blessed time of sharing. Four siblings, a couple of spouses and Mama gathered for "church". We discussed the man who "puts his hand to the plow" and then looks back. After we shared out thoughts on how the "looking back" effects our "going forward", we began to discuss the "fields" each of us have before us (these fields being our specific situations we are presently "plowing").

Mom shared that she struggles to plow through depression and a lack of trust as she remains here on earth. She so weary. She has fought the good fight, kept the faith and is ready to be done with the battle. And yet, she acknowledges that she continues to be used in the lives of those she talks to, whether in person or on the phone. And she wants to be used.......

Her favorite song is "Let me burn out for Thee, dear Lord, burn and wear out for Thee. Don't let me rust or my life be a failure my God to Thee. Use me and all I have dear Lord and draw me so close to Thee that I feel the throb of the great heart of God. O let me burn our for Thee." Her flame is flickering and weak, but we tend it carefully. It is precious to us and we long to keep it burning for as long as He will allow. It is light and warmth to us. It gives us comfort. When her flame burns out, we will learn to lean more heavily on Him, but for now.......