Gratitude

I have been thinking a lot this week about gratitude-not just because it is Thanksgiving, but because we have so much to be thankful for! This week last year was when our faith was really tested. This week last year I moved back to Utah with the kids. My mom came up with her van to load us up with as much as we could fit and bring us back to Utah. Eric finished his last week of work and then drove down the night before Thanksgiving. Eric losing his job was one of the most difficult things we have ever dealt with and we never would have made it without our amazing families! Eric's parents opened their home to us without hesitation. The words "thank you" have never quite seemed enough. I don't think I will ever be able to tell them how grateful we are to them for letting us stay there. Having the constant support of our parents is what got us through most days. I think back to how many time's my sweet Mother-in-law told us how she had a really good feeling about Eric getting a job soon-that is what got me through-faith and prayers!
I am grateful for tithing! How there was enough money to pay our bills every month when we had no paycheck, I will never know, but there always was.
I am grateful for our families and friends who offered so many prayers and encouraging words in our behalf. It was much easier to be positive with them at our sides.
I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who takes care of us, even when we are not aware that He is. Everything that happened to us in the last two years was for a reason. I am so grateful to know that He loves us and wants the best for us. As we do our part, He is anxiously waiting to bless us with the things we need.
I have always loved this time of year, but I think because of what happened this time last year, this will forever be my favorite time of year. Looking back we can easily see the Lord's hand leading our family to where we are now. This time of year will always remind me of how blessed we really are and help me to teach my children the importance of gratitude, not just at Thanksgiving time, but all year long.