Chris and I just spent our second Thanksgiving here in Guatemala. This Thanksgiving was so different…probably in ways I will never be able to explain. So much has changed over the last year. God has done so much work in us. Our house, 3000 miles away from Virginia, is starting to feel like home. I have learned enough Spanish to feel more comfortable in conversation and my understanding of what others say in Spanish is getting better every day.
But thankfulness felt a little different this year. It was not a thankfulness that we have because everything is perfect in the world or because I was with all of my family that I love and miss especially at this time of the year. It was a thankfulness that brings an abounding joy that no matter where you are in this world, we have a Heavenly Father that deeply loves us and fills every void in our hearts and lives with an abundance of love and grace. It’s not a thankfulness that things are just as I think they should be, but a true thankfulness and peace that surrounds us and fills us because we know everything is just how God has willed it to be.
This week as I prepared a Thanksgiving lunch for our Canasta Project Team, a song kept playing over in my mind. I have only heard it a couple times, which made me take notice when it kept coming to my mind. It may not be a song that you have ever heard but I will never forget the first time I heard it. A very special man, Lewis, whose family has been a part of our family’s lives for generations sang it at church one evening. It wasn’t just the words of the song that impacted me so much but it was that it was being sung by someone who has known hardship, brokenness and great loss many times in their lives. I remember having to swallow the lump in my throat because really, I wanted to put my face in my hands and cry hard because it touched me so deeply…but instead I let a couple tears run slowly down my face. I was overwhelmed by the love and grace of God and how He brings joy, peace, mercy, grace and healing to those who come to him with their burdens. I have not experienced loss anywhere close to the loss this family has experienced but I do know his God. I trust my Savior Jesus Christ deeply and listening to Lewis sing this song gave me assurance that no matter what Chris and I may face, our God is enough and His grace is sufficient. Here are the words to that song that I sang in my heart so much this week…
I’ve Never Made A Fortune
and It’s Probably Too Late Now
but I Don’t Worry About That Much
I’m Happy Anyhow
and As I Go Along Life’s Journey
I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow
I’m Drinking From My Saucer
because My Cup Has Overflowed
I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches
and Sometimes The Going’s Tough
but I’ve Got a friend in Jesus
and That Makes Me Rich Enough
I Thank God For His Blessings
and The Mercies He’s Bestowed
I’m Drinking From My Saucer
because My Cup Has Overflowed
I Remember Times When Things
went Wrong
my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin
but All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke
and Sun Peeped Through Again
so Lord, Help Me Not To Gripe
about The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed
I’m Drinking From My Saucer
because My Cup Has Overflowed
If God Gives Me Strength And Courage
when The Way Grows Steep And Rough
I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings
I’m Already Blessed Enough
and May I Never Be Too Busy
to Help Others Bear Their Loads
then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer
“ because My Cup Has Overflowed!”
Honestly, thankfulness hasn’t really been that hard for me before moving to Guatemala. I had so much to be thankful for and I have always tried to look at the bright side or at least I could usually find the silver lining in the worst of circumstances. I trusted Romans 8:28. But since moving to Guatemala it has been hard for me at times to have true peace and gratefulness. Life as a missionary is more rewarding and the bountiful blessings overflow but at times it has been very difficult with many challenges. It hasn’t been hard to say the right things….at least most of the time. I could express gratefulness because after all isn’t that what Christians should do. But often times I have struggled to keep a spirit of peace and gratitude. But this Thanksgiving has been different. I have felt truly grateful, truly thankful and at peace that my world is just how God intended it to be. He is working it all out in His time and in His way. Life isn’t perfect but our God is trustworthy and he has given me a new level of peace and gratitude for His plan for my life and “my cup has overflowed”.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you to all that pray for us and support us so we can serve the Lord here in Guatemala. We are thankful for all that God is doing but we could not do it without your support. Would you please prayerfully consider supporting us in 2019 with a monthly gift or with a one-time donation. Just click on the support page in the menu on this page or go to http://www.passion4guatemala.com/support-2. Thank you and God bless you always!