And A Merry Thanksgiving To You

Wow. Can I just be the millionth person you've heard say this for the fifth year in a row: where did the year go? I mean, Thanksgiving is tomorrow for crying out loud. And always, this is the time of year where we start looking back at our whole year and saying: was it really worth it? did I do anything memorable? what was memorable that happened to me? how have I changed, for the good or the bad? you know, self-examining questions. The same every year. But do we ever answer them?

I myself admit that sometimes I refuse to learn from my mistakes because I'm too proud and I want to do it my way. That goes along with the definition of insanity: performing the same actions over and over again while expecting to receive different results. I mess up just like you. The person behind this computer screen is just as human as you. But that doesn't mean I can shift responsibility onto the fact that I'm human. I have a free will and whatever I sow in my life is what I will eventually reap. Yes, I am saved and I have the favor of God on my life. But there are two laws He put into place that He will not override--my free will and the law of sowing and reaping. And anyone can see the effects of those laws on their own lives if they will look at themselves closely enough.

But this IS Thanksgiving, so I should probably mention a few things about that, huh? Don't only remember to be thankful, but remember WHO you're thanking. Thanks does not belong to Allah, Krishna, Mohammad, Joseph Smith or any of those types. All thanks belongs to God who loved us so much, He gave the life of His most precious Son, Jesus Christ. He gave us an opportunity to live eternally with Him and never be separated from Him. Who still watches over us and blesses us, gives us breath in the mornings, people who love us, jobs, education, a prosperous country, a military who defends that country, and SO much more. You can't deny the hand of God in your life, you just can't. You may think it's fate, luck, your influence, the spirits of the earth, your money or WHATEVER. But it is still God, no matter what you may believe.

I am thankful that God knows exactly what He's doing in my life. So much has happened this year, crazy stuff that I couldn't even begin to describe. It all leaves me without a doubt that it has all been because of God. Since the beginning of this year, things have been put into motion in several different situations that have changed my life forever. Every single one of them is a good change, though I appreciate some more than others. He has brought people into my life that in one year, have become my closest friends and even like part of my family. He's changed some of my relationships. A few of those changes were heartbreaking and difficult for me, but in the best interests of everybody. And a lot of those changes were wonderful, things I couldn't have imagined would happen to me, this soon, at this time in my life. But I am SO thankful they did. God never said life would be easy, but He has overcome the world. He makes all things come together for the good of those who love Him. And that's a promise.