Thankful thought 16

Today, I praise God for the gift of forgiveness.  First, from Him.  That He would be willing to forgive is nothing short of amazing and incredible.  I don't deserve His mercy.  None of us do.

Because of His forgiveness to us, we are empowered...and motivated...to extend it to others.  Again, amazing and incredible.  I am grateful for the forgiveness I have received from others and for that which I have been able, by His grace, to extend to others.  Amazing grace.  How sweet the sound.

Thankful thought 15

From the time I was in college, God has graciously granted to me the privilege of rubbing shoulders with girls a few seasons behind me in the calendar of life. Even though I didn't birth them, they have become "my girls" to me.  That first group of middle schoolers at PABC...years at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta...Hickory Grove Baptist in Charlotte...Westover friends in GSO...on to groups here in the Athens/Watkinsville area.  Doing life with these gals has been a high privilege for me.  They are treasures to me. 

Today, I give thanks for "my girls".

Thankful thought 13

I give thanks for sports.  Not to  sports, mind you, but for sports.  Lest you think I am of the athletic sort, think again.  Not athletic at all.  (Thankfully, my husband overcompensated in his contribution of sports genes to the DNA of our offspring so each of them is very nicely gifted, athletically.  Whew.  At least I was smart enough to pick someone that would offset my lack.) 

No, I am not athletic but I do enjoy sports.  Watching them, that is.  I love how my family enjoys all things Georgia.  How we unite over W's...and L's.  Bonding over rankings and referees.  Cheering for one another in the pool or on the court.

And I love the "life lesson opportunities" that sports provide.  Although not always enjoyable, I appreciate the chances we get to learn how to be a good sport, how to press through adversity, and how to practice joy, regardless of circumstances.

I am thankful for sports!