Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful for so many things. But today there were many lessons taught and learnt. Today was the funeral of our dear friend; Ira Joe Beasley, age 47; taken by cancer faster than was predicted. He's greatly missed. I'm thankful that he went in His sleep peacefully. I'm thankful that He is with our Father and no longer suffering.

But the lessons leared today came from watching the family and seeing the hurt and pain they were experiencing while dealing with their grief. How each one relied on one another for support and comfort. I'm thankful that such a large gathering filled the funeral home to overflowing to show the love and support of such a great son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. A man that served his country for 24 years and always done the best he could. I'm thankful his family was shown how much they are loved.

I realized more than ever just how important family and friends are. I realized that instead of looking at the negative side of things, we must always look to the positive, as we never know when our time will come. When we will see that last smile, when we will no longer hear their laughter, when we will no longer be able to hug them and tell them we love them, and the list goes on. I'm thankful for this wake up call/reminder.

I'm thankful for my family and friends, and all that our Father provides for us. For without Him, we would not recieve comforting, healing, inspirations, and all the things we have in our lives. I'm thankful for my grown children who have children of their own despite how frustrated I may become with them when they don't do things the way "I" think they should. I'm thankful He finds way to get our attention and say, "hey, I gave you these people in your life to love unconditionally, just the way I love you."

Thank you Daddy for being so loving, so kind and generous. Thank you for bringing me back to reality and making me see just how lucky I am. For as with Ira, the doctors told the family that he would be around for a while. They expected that and were not prepared as well as they might have been. But then we can never be fully prepared to lose a loved one. So thank you Father for reminding me, that no matter what a doctor or someone might try to tell us, we never know when our time will end, as it all you that life and death occurs. In Jesus Name, Amen!