Why You Need To Let Go And Be Thankful

Jan 26, 2014 | Faith, Parenting

There are times God’s goodness is simple. And real. And overwhelming. 

This morning I woke up in my bed at a place called home. A place I take for granted.

Thank God if your kids are in your beds each night” I told women I spoke to this weekend. A woman looked puzzled. “Really, you never know when that may not be possible.” Two families I know lost children this year. Two of my own have left our nest. Be thankful.

Your husband’s not perfect. But if he’s a good man, thank God for him.” Tears filled women’s eyes, my own included. How critical we are about our husband’s faults. I’m guilty. What a skewed perspective we can have. If your child has a father who’s good at heart, be thankful.

“Let it go.” I said about things we stress over. The perfect body. The perfect home. The perfect children. “In the end, it won’t matter.” Really, it won’t.

Driving home on a sheet of ice with accidents occurring around me, my husband stayed on IMG_0842edspeakerphone with me while I drove to my son’s college campus to regroup before taking another route home. Thank you I told him with tears in my eyes as I hung up when I reached my son’s dorm.

My son gave me hug. I didn’t want to let him go. He let me touch his arm in the campus hangout. I was thankful I could simply touch him.

Friends were there visiting their daughter. They agreed I could follow them home. My friend rode with me three more hours in the dark on snow-covered roads.  “I could tell you were scared when you called” she said.  I was thankful for friends who care.

When I got home, I didn’t care about the full trash bags and dirty dishes. I kissed each of my boys on their heads. I read an email from my daughter about her week of ministry to disabled children in an orphanage in far away mountains. My husband prayed. Tears filled my eyes with emotions I still can’t put words to.

I’m thankful for a God who is never absent. Who gives wisdom in moments of fear and uncertainty. Who stops our busy lives for reminders of what’s important, what’s real, and good. 

For that, I’m thankful.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38

What are you thankful for? Where do you see Christ in your small moments? What are the things you take for granted that you can be thankful for today? I’d love for you so share with us.

I’m grateful to share God’s word on balance, busyness and not-doing-it-all in my hometown, beautiful Shipshewana, IN, on March 22. I’d love to have you and your mom-friends come and join us. See more details here.

 

 

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6 Comments

  1. Lorraine

    I agree with the other ladies! I’m grateful for you! You brought tears to my eyes also. I think of the many blessings we have that we can take for granted. God is so good and the love of family and friends is something I never want to take for granted. Love and blessings to you Brenda. You are beautiful. xo

    • Brenda L. Yoder

      Thank you so much Lorraine!

  2. Lidia

    I have been reading your posts for many years now. Our lives have many parallels, and each time I visit, I am grateful for the depth of your words. So much life… you are a blessing to me, dear Brenda. Today I thanked God for the gift of your friendship. Love Lidia

    • Brenda L. Yoder

      Thank you Lydia. You have been such an encouragement to me over the last four years. I can’t believe we’ve been so close and have not met. You have been a quiet mentor to me and I treasure your friendship, too.

  3. Lynn Marie

    How beautiful Brenda. This brought tears to my eyes. Tears of gratitude and joy for what God has blessed me with and the wonderful way you conveyed the message. May God bless you on this journey of ministering to women.

    • Brenda L. Yoder

      Thank you Lynn. Sometimes it takes the simple things to make us realize what’s important. Thankful He reminds us in these ways and not always the catastrophic ones. Thank you for your kind words.

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