happy thanksgiving

So this isn't how I planned to spend our Thanksgiving day. 

Nope, not at all. 

Two weeks ago my goal posts moved, 

off the field actually. 

Leaving me dumb-founded, 

wondering what this is all about. 

I never spent a Thanksgiving day walking around a mall all day.

But I also never dreamed about being at a mall with my beautiful daughter, 

treating her to ice cream just because we can.

Nor did I ever know to dream of taking my little Mozambican bush-baby to a 3D movie 

on Thanksgiving day.

Even though this wasn't in my plans, 

this family made a Thanksgiving meal for us--

to honor me and my culture.

And when we went around the table saying what we're thankful for, I wept as I thought about all we've been through this year.

 And how God has held us through it ALL!
I thank Him that I'm still standing.
I thank Him for "family" all around the world.
I thank Him for my daughter.
I thank Him for his provision.
I thank Him that I read his word and can remind myself that he IS faithful.
He IS good.
His ways ARE perfect.
His timing is NOT "off".
And I have SO MUCH to be THANKFUL for--
So, so, so much.
And, even if I don't understand this,
I must keep hoping, trusting and walking forward.
Because, just because this wasn't in my plans,
it doesn't negate His promise that his plans are better than my plans.
On this I must reflect this Thanksgiving--
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, 
declares the Lord.
as the heavens are higher than the earth, 
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
it will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be lead forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, 
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn-bush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord's renown, 
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever." 
Isaiah 55:8-13
May YOUR ways be seen as GREATER as we give Thanks this day! 
Happy Thanksgiving.
xoxo