Today is Thanksgiving here in the United States. It’s an opportunity to remember that we are not God but creatures. There are so many things we receive that we could never make happen on our own, things that only come because of God’s generosity toward us.

I’m grateful for the confederate rose plant blooming right now in my backyard. I’m grateful for the view of the hills out my window, the fragrance of fresh coffee, and my husband’s family that continues to see me as part of the family even after his death. And I’m grateful most of all for Jesus – for how He rescued me through coming to earth to live and die and live again, and for how He has shown up in my life over and over again.

But at Thanksgiving each year I stretch myself to think of gratitude in a new way, to find things to be grateful for that perhaps I haven’t paid attention to previously. Here are a few things from my gratitude list for 2025.

1. Limitations.

Our natural response is to fight against limitations. I don’t like getting tired, being faced with limited time or resources, or not being able to do everything I would like or imagine.

But those very limitations are a tremendous gift. They push me to see God’s leading, guidance, and provision in ways I never would otherwise. Limitations constantly remind me that I can’t do it on my own – and that’s a very good thing. God knows that if I could do it, I might take the credit myself (LOL!).

When I sense my limitations, it gives Jesus space to show up. And to watch what happens when He shows up – there’s nothing more spectacular!

2. Growing.

Moving into Transformation Place and building the Intensives this year has been both exhilarating and sobering. The decisions I’ve had to make, the ways I’ve had to rely on other people and on God, the things I’ve had to learn that I would never have learned otherwise – I’m grateful.

In recent weeks I’ve been privileged to speak at the American Association of Christian Counselors world conference, and to be on the Focus on the Family radio program. These larger opportunities have demonstrated to me how God has built into me things I could not have known I would need. And because of that I’m able to step up, forget about myself, and offer something of real value.

To see how I have grown, or more accurately how God has grown me, is something I’m very grateful for.

3. People Who Can Do What I Can’t

The reality that I can’t do everything means that other people have a place to shine. As John Maxwell said, “One is too small a number to make an impact.” How true!

Whether it’s editing and producing our media, decorating, cleaning, and preparing Transformation Place for our Christmas gathering, coordinating and preparing the food for our Intensives, or the young couple now partnering with me in facilitating the Intensives – these are only a few of the places where I need other people who make it possible.

And that includes YOU! Your prayers, how you spread the word about Dr. Carol Ministries to someone who needs it, and financial support from those of you who can – none of this would be happening without you.

So, Thank YOU! I’m grateful for you.

Thanksgiving

As you consider what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving season, let me encourage you to stretch yourself to make a bigger gratitude list. Where can you pay attention to something new or different that God has blessed you with?

And then, say Thank You, Lord!

Your Turn: What is something new or different for which you’re grateful this year? Leave a comment below.

Want more? On this week’s podcast I share some core teaching about our need for intimacy and finding healing for where that goes wrong. Listen or watch.

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• What new or different things are you grateful for this Thanksgiving season? Each year I stretch myself to consider a new gratitude list. Here’s mine for 2025.   Tweet that.

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We treasure your prayers. We appreciate you telling others about this ministry. And we can’t continue to do what God has given us to do without your support.

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