Attitude of Gratitude -- and Happy Thanksgiving!

A while back, a particular writer who was going through a very traumatic season of her life started a blog about all the things for which she was thankful. Inspired by her sweet spirit, I started a gratitude journal of my own. Every day, I tried to find something that reminded me that God was in control, and that His word would not return void. Some days, it was more difficult than others; I had to sit and think for quite a while just to come up with one little entry. Other days, my gratitude ran off the page.

So in honor of Thanksgiving week, I thought I'd share a little of this year's gratitude with YOU! I've taken a few of the entries of the last year or so that stand out to me, or that are a common theme of thankfulness. From the private journals of Sandie Bricker...

"FAMILY"

Marian is one of the Top 5 best gifts You've ever given me. I've known her forever, and we have a history that I don't have with anyone else. She kind of makes up for the fact that I'm an adult orphan in the world. She kind of grafted me in like You did.

Thank You for Tone, Lord. She brought me the only laughter I could find all day.

Thank You, Lord, for Jemelle, Alberto and the kids. They are family now, and I'm so thankful. Also, there's just something about spending an hour with the under-three crowd that puts the rest of my day in crystal clear perspective.

I'm so thankful for David; for so many reasons. He's very often the voice in my head when I'm trying to sort things out. And when I don't have a belly laugh left in me, he says just the right thing for me to find one. What would I ever do without him? He's just corny and goofy enough to bless my heart, just sweet and smart enough to keep me thinking.

ARE YOU JOKING, LORD?? When I've read that scripture about how wonderful it is when someone lays down their life for a friend, I don't think I fully understood. Until You sent Barbara. I'm completely wrecked by her generosity, Lord. Humbled to the point of absolutely caving in. Thank You so much.

How many times have I thanked You here for Sophie? She's just a dog! But the maternal feelings she brings out in me are just phenomenal. She's a clown and a jokester ... and the most affectionate being I've ever known. Completely uncomplicated and unconditional love. When I woke up and found her standing over me like that, with so much love and concern in her golden brown eyes ... I felt Your love flow to me, straight through her.

LIFE

I waited so many years for Rachelle. I praise You, Father, for bringing me the perfect agent for me. She's becoming a friend as well, and I really love her. Thank You. She's one of the only people on earth who can keep ME in check without offending or upsetting me. I don't know how she does it, but I'm really thankful that she does.

Debby called at just the right moment today. She does that a lot. I see You in that. Thank You for blessing my life with such an unexpected friend.

WOW. It's been so many years that I've been dreaming of being right here. And now that I am ... I'm a little terrified. But mostly I'm grateful. As of today, the day job is behind me, and the writing life is ahead of me. I feel swept away by gratitude. Thank You for whispering "Writer" into my ear as You brought me into being. I sure do hope I can make You proud.

Who would have ever thought such close friendships could be forged with people so far away?! Thank You for my writer friends, Lord. They're a lifeline. Andrea, Loree, Cynthia, Trish, Diann ... the list goes on and on -- all of them people who encourage me as a writer and as a woman. I'm especially grateful today that I've found Staci again. Who would have thought, when I was hustling for all my actor clients in Hollywood, that one of them would turn out to be such a valuable writer bud? My world seems so much bigger, thanks to Facebook and email. Who knew!

Last night I was out of my head with fever and pain, and I couldn't think or pray or hope. Just about the time I thought I was completely and utterly alone, there You were. Your voice is so recognizable. Just one little whisper, and I know You're there. Is it weird to thank God for God?

Barbara says her new name for me is Lazarus. I was pretty sure I wouldn't be coming home again this time around. Thank You, Lord, for snatching me back from the edge of the death pit. And for this sunny little yellow house and happy little red-haired Collie to come home to. I'm alive. Color me astonished. And so thankful.

Thank You SO MUCH for my lovely Keurig coffee!!!! I had my first cup today since they took away my caffeine last month. I write this with one hand while I clutch my favorite cup in the other. Creating those coffee beans, Lord -- A stroke of GENIUS! Ohhh, thank You, thank You, thank You ...

We had a Sandie is Alive!! Celebration Lunch today. Such a sweet gathering of friends. Barb, Debby, Julie and D. Toss in mushrooms stuffed with clams and garlic, and really! It just doesn't get much better.




Okay. So what about you? What are you most grateful for? How has God blessed your life unexpectedly or mercifully?