Resolutions and Revelations: A reason to be thankful

We knew when we accepted this opportunity to move overseas that there would be some real challenges.
Selling houses and cars and possessions were among those challenges, but honestly, the material things were the easiest to let go.
The hardest part was, and continues to be, the separation from family and friends.
Especially on days like today.
Thanksgiving, more than any other holiday on the American calendar, is all about being with those you love and being thankful for those relationships.

From our part of the world, Thanksgiving has now come and gone, even though our families in America are just now sitting down to enjoy their holiday meal.
I am grateful to know that my mom and dad, my grandfather and my aunts, uncles and cousins are all together. I am thankful that CJ's mom and brother and family have made the effort to be together. It does provide some consolation to know that even if we can't be with them, they will all still be together - eating, telling the same old jokes, laughing over the same old stories, planning the rest of their holiday season and so many other things that have become tradition at this time of year.
I know that in some small way, we will be there with them because family is found in the heart.

We do have so much to be thankful for.
Despite hardships and challenges, we have families that love us. We have a roof over our head and full stomachs at the end of the day.
Most importantly we have the saving knowledge of J.C. and the promise of eternal joy.
This year I am most thankful that I had the opportunity to share that saving knowledge with someone who had never heard.
The opportunity came at the end of the day and in a surprising way.
After a day of self-pity and missing my family in the States, I think Father was reminding me that there are people just waiting to be a part of HIS family. And at this moment in time, this is right where He wants me to be.
And that is something to be thankful for.