The Simple Life at Home

God is good, isn't He?

As many of our lives begin to fall back into a school-year routine, we can breathe a sigh of relief. I don't know about you, but I know that summer is a crazy time for me. Not just because my kids are home with me all day (that's the norm in a homeschooling family), but because there is no routine. And as much as I like to think of myself as a free spirt, I definitely thrive under routine.

It's a sign of God's infinite wisdom that we have seasons - not just in nature, but in our lives. We all need periods of "winter" when we just seem dormant, but in reality there is deep work going on in our lives. It's often in the lowest parts of our lives that God teaches us the most.

And then, miraculously, "spring" comes again, full of life and brightness. What once appeared dead now reveals itself to be gloriously alive and beautiful.

Today I have so much to be thankful for:

• I'm thankful for good friends who encourage me and challenge me
• I'm thankful for being back at our church and for those who share the Word of God there
• I'm thankful that God has led me back to my routines and an orderly home
• I'm thankful that my kids are happy
• I'm thankful that God is in charge of my kids' education, not me
• I'm thankful that my new electric stove is coming tonight
• I'm thankful for my beautiful house which God has charged me with making into a home
• I'm thankful for my husband, who is wise beyond his years
• I'm thankful for my extended family - crazy as they are, they are mine and I love them

What are you thankful for this week? Take some time to think about it. If you are stuck for ideas, be sure to visit some of the other Thankful Thursday participants - you'll be amazed to realize how blessed you are as well.