Thankful for Family Time

I love weeks like this. Everyone is home and there is no real schedule. We have slept in and laid around in our den. We have watched movies and favorite TV shows together. We went to lunch together and we have done wedding stuff. We have gone to the grocery store and we have cooked our favorite dishes.

But most of all we have just been together. Nothing special. Just time. All together.

I love to have this extended time now that my girls are older. I get to spend time with each one. We tell stories and share our lives. My girls get to catch up with each other and hear the things that have happened while they were apart. They curl each other's hair. They check out each other's clothes. They hear each other's hearts.

I am so thankful for this family time. It slips away so quickly. They grow up so fast.

Enjoy your children. Enjoy your family. Savor every memory and hold on to every moment.

Counting my blessings today as I hear from so many dear friends who are hurting this week. Friends who are missing their children because they will not be home. Friends who are spending their first holiday separated from their spouse. Friends who are learning how to maneuver the split time between mom and dad. Friends who are mourning a spouse or a sister or a parent or a child. Friends who are struggling with their emotions and simply trying to hold it all together. Friends who just don't have family time that makes them feel good.

My heart breaks for these friends. I so earnestly wish that I had the words to make it all better. The solution to the hurt and the pain. The answers that could change everything. The quick fix. But, I don't.

No matter what your situation is today. Please know that I am praying for you. If you are reading this blog today, consider yourself lifted to the throne room of Grace. Jesus knows your name. He knows your situation. He has the Words. He is the solution. He has the answers. He is the fix!

Rest in that today. And know that you are special. You are loved. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Jesus will meet you this week at the point of your greatest need. Just ask Him.

I am going to spend the rest of my week with my family. They need my time and my attention. They need me to really be there. Fully engaged with them. I need to spend time with Jesus. I need time to pray for them. 

But, I will be back next Monday. So until then, leave me a message or send me an email and let me know how I can pray for you. I would love to have the privilege of lifting you by name to the One who blesses beyond measure.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Counting you all among my blessings!

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile.

For every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.