Thankful Thursday - June 18

Nobody really accuses me (or compliments) of being like my dad - my earthly one, that is. I never really spent much time with my father while I was growing up or even after I grew up. He lived with us, but he was out in the fields farming most of the time. Then there was the fact that he always wanted a boy, not five girls and then, after giving up, a boy. These days I'm closer to him than I ever was, but we still don't have the perfect relationship. Does anyone?

There's a way to have a perfect relationship with your father, your Heavenly Father, that is. You know why? Because HE is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV)

I'm SO thankful for my perfect, heavenly Father. Because He is perfect, He never lets me down, never breaks a promise, never tells me he never wanted a daughter. He sees me as his princess - a daughter of royalty. I feel special when I am close to Him.

This week I'm also thankful for my earthly father. He taught me to love the countryside - to love animals - to love the simple things in life. He might not have demonstrated that he loves me, but I know that he does and that's all that matters.

Most of all, I'm thankful that God forgives. I've had a jealous heart this week and it goes completely against His will and His plan for my life.To say that it's okay because I deserve more than I have or have ever had, for whatever reason, is not excuse. I go to the Lord in prayer and in tears, so sorry for this attitude that I don't want to have, and He says, "What attitude? It's as far as the east is from the west." I don't deserve that kind of love and forgiveness. That's grace and that's what He does for me each and every day. It makes my heart burst with joy.

Thankful Thursday posters are found here.