Matt and I are having our house “renovated” in order to sell it. Read, “destroyed.” As everything is torn to shreds, God has been doing a work on me. I’m realizing more and more, a thankful person is a needy person.

We’ve been living out of the car, packing up every morning, leaving at 8am and returning around 8pm. As we caravan Texas as nomads, friends have opened their homes, refrigerators, beds, pools, toys, inconveniencing themselves for our good. I can’t believe it!

I hate being needy. I like to take care of my own stuff and handle my own problems. Yet, I’m commanded in Col 3:15 and 1 Thess 5:18 to “be thankful” and “give thanks”. I can only thank God and others if I acknowledge my need and dependence. I can’t obey these commands if I think I am equipped to handle my own problems and spiritual blindness and sin.

The transition to MD has opened me to accept help and receive grace from God through others. “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His loving-kindness is everlasting. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so (Psalm 107:1-2).” “I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples and I will sing praises to You among the nations (Psalm 108:3).” I want to be a needy person, to sing His praise.

Thankful hearts swell with dependence. When a friend came to pick up for 4 kiddos this morning, I resisted at first: “Gosh, maybe just take Jake, or just for a few hours, and don’t worry, I’ll make their lunches… “ Then, my heart swelled: “WOW! You want to take all of them, for the whole morning, you’ll feed them lunch….” My eyes teared up. What could I do? Nothing.

Thankfulness recognizes you have received something you can’t provide for yourself.

When I am thankful, first, I remember what has been done for me (how could I forget!!). Second, I say it to the giver and everyone else (grateful tears fell as her car pulled away with my kids in her care). This friend, and many others, has been a tangible reminder of God’s love and grace on the cross, paying my debt and providing His goodness for me, when I was unable to do so myself. As I remember His provision, I cannot help but say it – THANK YOU!!!

Please pray for:

1. Thankful hearts in the bumpy transition to MD.
2. The house to sell quickly when renovations are complete.
3. Please thank God with us for: financial/prayer supporters, good family times, friends and friends who have helped tons, friends who are moving with us and those waiting for us in Silver Spring, a refreshing marriage retreat this past weekend. God is good.