6 years ago, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my husband and two children. It was just the 4 of us in our little family. We spent that holiday at my parent’s house and my brother was there to celebrate with us as well. That brought the total to 7.
4 + 2 + 1 = 7
We sat on the stairs and tried to get a good photo of our family. My mom took this photo.
The equation has changed in 6 years.
We are not able to celebrate with my side of the family for the holidays this year, but if we did, there would be a total of 9 people, but we didn’t come to that number the way you might think.
6 years ago, it was 4 + 2 + 1.
5 years ago we celebrated with 4 + 1 + 1. My mom died less than two months after taking that photo of our family.
4 years ago our family was 5 + 1 + 1. We added Isaac to our family. Our third and final baby.
3 years ago our family was 5 + 2 + 2. My brother got married and my father became a newlywed again.
Math can be hard. When God took my mom out of the equation, it was painful to embrace the idea that I am to be thankful in the circumstance of losing my mom. However, with God’s grace, I can. My mom is with Jesus and my father and brother are happily married and we have our son Isaac. God had a plan for each and every addition and subtraction. It has all played a part in the story that God is writing in our lives.
I don’t know how the numbers add up in your family. We came by ours with some joyful and painful addition and subtraction. Today I’m celebrating with those of you who have long lists of blessings and I’m praying comfort for all of you who are mourning painful losses.
Happy Thanksgiving.