November 24

Gathered around my Thanksgiving table this year will be my teenaged kids, my husband, and my mom. Each unique and special in their own way, but today I want to talk about being thankful as a mother.

Each of our three children have been a blessing. Each one has allowed me to grow as a person, a mother, a caregiver. We have cried together. We have snuggled and laughed. We have learned about life —each of us growing as we work through each new difficulty or life milestone. They have been mine to love, to pray over, and to prepare for adult life.

Even through the grief of losing my youngest child, Leah, to heart disease, I am thankful for every minute I had to parent her. Our family understands that time is precious. None of us have a guarantee of another day and we understand that there is no going back to grab more time together.

Take a minute today to say “I love you.” Call, send a card, or write a text to let your children know that you are thinking of them, praying for them. Pray that they find and follow the Lord. Lift them up with your encouraging words and let them know life wouldn’t be the same without them.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of my children. Protect their hearts and minds wherever they are today. Help me teach them to follow you and let my life be an example to them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.