Thankful for second chances

The Rhyne house had lots of kids this morning going in two different directions. It has been a whirlwind of a weekend. A whirlwind that will forever be etched in my memory, as full of fear, love, tears, laughter, thankfulness, and gratefulness.

Sometimes I worry about sounding like a “bible beater” because I have so much I want to scream on rooftops. I also worry, because there is always someone in the crowd that likes to point out all my shortcomings. I have learned over the years, that I don’t so much care about those things any more. God loves me for my shortcomings. He made me just the way I am, and He loves me this way. He has a purpose for my failures, for my fears, for my screw ups. I don’t really know how folks make it day to day without Him.

This Monday morning as I am finished with the drop offs, I am overcome with emotion. I am so thankful for this busy weekend. I am thankful that God can see the future. That He is all knowing and in control always. I am thankful that He is in the business of saving lives, spiritually AND physically. And oh how I am praying for the precious life He spared. I am thankful for diapers, pull ups, and dirty clothes, for toddler tantrums and midnight snacks at 9pm. I am thankful for kitchen dance parties and late night giggles. I am thankful for friends who know how to feed a crowd. I am thankful for preteens/teens who are willing and wanting to sit down and talk about the good, bad and the ugly.

I am thankful for my girls. My children never cease to amaze me. They are always willing to jump in with two feet and no life jacket to whatever I bring through the back door. They live a wonderful,cushioned life, but they often have front row seats to lives that are so opposite. Lives that they can only imagine through the stories they hear. Yet, they have a way with people that us adults could only dream for. They open the fridge, the snack cabinet, their rooms, and they love with all they have. From 19-3, my kids are incredible, and more helpful that they will ever realize.

I am thankful for our open back door that brings in new faces or old faces. Other peoples children don’t cease to amaze me much either. Kids are so loving, and forgiving, and trusting. They can handle so much more than we give them credit for. And every once in a while, one wraps their arms around you so tight it takes your breath, and you know, that just for a second, your arms are what they need, and what is right in their world. And that, that makes for a thankful Rhyne momma this morning.

I am thankful for God, who pushes me out of my comfort zone. He always lets me know what to do and when to do it. Sometimes words come out of my mouth before I think them, and *most* of the time, it’s Him pushing me in the direction I need to go. If you don’t have a relationship with God, and your life is just happen stance, I feel sorry for you. You are missing out on an assurance, on joy in tragedy, on a peace that surpasses all circumstances. I am so thankful today for those things in my life, and pray that I can pass that knowledge on to all who will hear.