“Sing, Gigi!” Emmie exclaimed. “Sing, Jesus loves Mommy and Daddy and Gigi and JoeJoe and Mamus and Bucky.” I sang softly as we rocked back and forth before bed. Her curly little head was still damp from tubby-time and her long sleeved pajamas were warm and cozy. Life doesn’t get much better than this, I thought, thanking Jesus for this precious gift of time with my granddaughter.

Many years ago when my children were young, the Lord impressed on my heart to memorize Psalm 34.

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. Psalm 34:1-3

Thanks Giving in the midst of any and all circumstances changes the whole focus in a person’s heart and mind. No matter what someone is going through, being thankful is a choice that elevates the mind and heart to focus on something (or SomeOne) greater than themselves.

Heavenly Father, I know You are the One who loves and understands me perfectly. You are the One Who makes everything work out, according to Your will. You are the God of miracles. You bring beauty out of ashes. You sing over me even when I forget the song that was in my heart to begin with. THANK YOU for being YOU! Amen.

The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior Who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in His love He will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

3:17