Thankful Thursday

I've had a hard time coming up with something to write today.  Nothing specific came to mind as I was thinking about Thankful Thursday throughout the week.  Yet, I am thankful for so much. . . life, love, my family, my children.  Then I realized that I really do have something big to write about.  I am thankful for JOY!  God has given me so much joy recently.  For a while it seemed like I was living in a state of perpetual exhaustion and grumpiness. At the time I didn't know it, but now realize that it was because my body was sick.  It is hard to function and be happy when one isn't feeling well.  Not to make excuses for myself, I shouldn't have given into my grumpiness nearly as much as I did.  However, since recovering, I now have energy!  I feel good, and my mood has improved too!

But it's not just the fact that I have energy that I seem to be bubbling over with joy lately.  The whole transplant experience changed me.  I have experienced new life from someone else's death (for the second time in my life--the first time being that of Jesus's death giving me life through him).  I have experienced the incredible kindness, compassion, support and encouragement from fellow believers.  I have been blessed so much, and because of that blessing I feel so driven to somehow use my experience to be a blessing to others.  Whether it just be notes of encouragement to others who are going through a difficult time, or something bigger.  I am ready and willing to be used however the good Lord sees fit. 

So this thankfulness and renewed purpose in life that I feel has me filled with joy.  God is so good!  Being joyful is a wonderful thing!  It is so much better to live in a state of joy than in a state of grumpiness!  It's a whole lot nicer for the folks I come in contact with, and it just feels good too!

Psalm 4:7-8 

You have filled my heart with greater joy
       than when their grain and new wine abound.

  I will lie down and sleep in peace,
       for you alone, O LORD,
       make me dwell in safety.

To read more Thankful Thursday posts or participate in this meme visit  Iris at Grace Alone.