Five Minute Friday: The Raw Gratitude

Thanksgiving.

A day where we stop to focus on the giving of thanks.

I wrote those words yesterday as I stayed home, stuck in bed from the chronic pain that has been such a part of my skin for these past few years.

I do not talk about it much.

I do not want it to define me.

But it has changed my life.

Changed how I view the world.

And even how the world views me....at least those who knew me "before."

Before life was complicated and yet simpler.

Complicated because I am not sure who or what I am supposed to be anymore.

Simple because I am starting to make decisions more for the right reasons.

"Be true to yourself and to the Lord."

And yet, I felt lonely.

I was supposed to be thankful, grateful, but I found myself wanting, longing for things from the past -- my health, old relationships restored, clear direction for my future.

And today, to be honest, those feelings are still there.

Strong and beating hard inside of me.

And yet, somewhere deep, deep, deep in my soul.

I AM grateful.

Grateful that His grace has found me just where I am.

Grateful that His joy abounds even in my questions.

Grateful that His mercies overflow in the persons of husband, mother, sister.

He is not slack concerning His promises for me...and my life....and my future.

So I am grateful....

for HIM!

I am joining my friend, Lisa-Jo, at The Gypsy Mama with Five Minute Friday -- a place where we just Stop. Drop. and Write. for 5 minutes without editing or revising. It isn't easy, but it is my favorite writing challenge of this week. If you have never joined in, maybe today is YOUR day!! Either way, please hop over and check out the other brave mavericks who dare to put heart on paper in 5 minutes, no holes barred. Scary to do....beautiful to behold!

Happy Friday, all!!

P.S. In the interest of FULL disclosure,

I went "a bit" over 5 minutes today as I wrote out my heart.

Thank you for grace.

**All pictures are from Pinterest.