9/3/24- Labor w/ Thanksgiving

Are you thankful that you are able to work to earn a living and provide for those you love?

Years ago after a period when my husband was not receiving a paycheck from his job, I began the practice of thanking God when we could pay our bills. God had blessed me with the talent to sew all kinds of home décor items, as well as an eye to decorate. This allowed me the opportunity to start my home decorating business from my home, which also allowed me to be home with our children. In addition to this gift, He provided clients for my new growing business. To add joy to our days, we had our first child at home.

One morning while swimming at the YMCA, in the lane right next to me I noticed a woman swimming laps with a UNC cap. I had been swimming laps at the “Y” for some 5 years. I had never seen this woman before. While on the wall, she also stopped for a break. I took this opportunity to talk with her. Sure enough she had been on the swimming and diving team at UNC-CH, and graduated the year before I had started attending and swimming at UNC-CH. We had an instant connection.

Throughout our conversation she shared that she was in the middle of a renovation at her home, and she set an appointment with me for my decorating services. But wait there’s more, her husband was in the same industry as my husband, and he was looking to hire someone. God put us together in the pool that day swimming side by side. He provided the way out for our young family of three, through this one encounter in a swimming pool.

This connection became an opportunity to work together to beautify their home. In addition, our husbands worked together for over 20 years. We still have a friendship to this day.

God provides a way out of a drought when we remain faithful and diligent. He calls us to keep persevering and walk out the door to greet our challenges head on. Thankfully this period was used for the positive in our lives. Giving thanks for the ability to pay even the large bills that come our way, has shifted our mindset to one of gratitude, not one of attitude.

Our lives can be much more blessed when we focus on our blessings every day we get to walk this walk. Remember where your goodness comes from today, and give a shout-out of thanksgiving.

Psalm 128:2

”You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.“