Giving Thanks in the Whirlwind

May 20, 2014 by betsydecruz 17 Comments

My heart is bursting right out of my chest with gratitude and excitement. Sunday I got back from a weekend retreat with ninety of God’s girls, Turks and foreign, ages 20-65, each one more beautiful than the rest. Today my family and I get on a plane headed for Istanbul, where we’ll spend the night before departing for the U.S. to see family and friends for the first time in two years.

I’m pausing for a moment in the whirlwind to give God thanks. My house literally looks like a hurricane passed by since all of my energy is focused on tying up loose ends and packing four suitcases, but I want to share with you the latest items from the One Thousand Gifts list I started four years ago:

 #4,406.   God touched His women at the retreat. He blessed us with refreshing worship, encouraging teaching, and fun fellowship.

#4,407.  Sunday morning I sat in the audience and listened to my Turkish little sister preach her heart out. I was awed by God’s Spirit and Word flowing out of her, and by the amazing transformation I’ve seen in her over ten years.

#4,408.  I enjoyed the beautiful Turkish poppies, roses, and olive trees at the retreat center.

#4,409.  My faithful husband held down the fort while I was gone.

#4,410.  Back home, I evaluated tests and averaged grades to finish my home school year.  The miracle is that both of my kids finished the year strong. Even in physics.

#4,411.  Yesterday, God gave me grace for each load of laundry, each errand, and each suitcase.

#4,412.  Tonight we’ll spend the night in Istanbul and eat grilled meatballs at a famous old restaurant near the Blue Mosque. (Old stomping grounds from my 20’s.)

#4,413. We’ll spend one day sightseeing in New York City.

#4,414.  The best thing will be seeing family in just a few days.

I’ll take a break from my blog until Thursday, May 29^th.

In the meantime, what is something you’re thankful for?