Thankful List

"Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Psalm 103:2

November 27, 2009

I've been reviewing my benefits since reading this Psalm first thing this morning and I am moved to tears at the length of my list! Here are some of the hightlights:

1. I'm so thankful for the growing intimacy I feel with God as I get older. I've had such precious glimpses of him at work these last few months.

2. The privilege of serving "the least of these" in Kuwait through Operation Hope.

3. The calls to prayer each day that remind me of the supremacy of God, that Jesus is his son, and of my desire for the Holy Spirit to make Him known in this land.

4. Robert's choices which have enabled us to be together here as a family, his priorities, his support for my passions, and his unbelievable love for our kids.

5. Molly's gap year which is allowing us to serve together. The experiences she is having here and the favor she genders with everyone she encounters. Her readiness for college (even if I'm not ready!)

6. Emily's tenacity in the face of academic and physical challenges, she has been such a fighter. Her relationships with the diverse group of international and Kuwaiti students where she is so very respected.

7. Ethan's strength of character and good decisions in the presence of negative influences and peer pressure. His growing maturity. The opportunity for him to star in "Oliver."

8. My friendships with the ladies from the American Embassy. It is not a chore for me to participate in social events, it is a pleasure.

9. The Kuwait Ladies Bible study and this very diverse group of friends who have been such a delight to get to know and be with. They allow me to lead them in worship each week and this has been a special blessing to me.

10. My Kuwaiti neighbors who are so gracious and generous with us. Tonight Amani sent over a pot of Arabic coffee, the special tiny cups that go with it, and a beautiful platter with a variety of dates for us to enjoy just as she knew we would be finishing our Thanksgiving feast!

11. Our very dedicated American soldiers. We enjoyed having two of them for Thanksgiving dinner along with two other contractors and two American teachers. It was a delightful mix of people, a fantastic "surrogate family" to feast with, play games with, sing karaoke with and even watch the Macy's Day Parade!

12. Family & friends back home who don't forget us even though we have been away for so long. For the stories I hear from them of God's provision during such lean financial times.

13. Our lovely big, comfortable home. The vehicle & free gas provided by the Kuwaiti government who appreciates the American presence and treats us so well.

14. The availability of almost everything we "needed" for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, even if we did have to pay around $15 for fresh cranberries flown in from the states!!!

15. My reliable Indian taxi driver, Hameed, who takes such care in transporting my family when needed.

16. For protection on the roads with the highest mortality rate in the world.

17. The Marines, who guard our embassy and provide security for us 24/7.

18. All the flavors of Middle Eastern food: Lebanesse, Indian, Kuwaiti...so delicious!

19. The thankful lists our children still make every year. We now have enough to cover two large tables.

20. The peace and contentment God has given me while living in a land so very different from my own.