Divine Intervention

Today I am thankful for the blessings of divine intervention. Ever since returning from a trip to Kenya, I've been wanting to do something, to do more than just give to Food for the Hungry. I'd chewed on a lot of ideas, but one stayed at the forefront: importing handmade goods from the artisans, selling them here and paying the profits back to the artisan. I felt a little overwhelmed, not having a business degree, not knowing anything about importing, etc.

Last night, while searching for Christmas gift ideas for family, I came across a store in my hometown that exists soley to sell goods from around the world and pay the artisans a living wage. Right there I found a lot of information that I needed, and links to organizations that sell these items wholesale. I knew this was God directing me to the answers to my questions. When God intervenes in a big way, it renews my spirit and my faith, and for that I am thankful.

Isolation

I just read an article in Christianity Today that discussed the findings of a sociological study that said that Americans are more isolated than ever, and something like 25 % of Americans feel they have no one to share their personal problems with. This was alarming to me. The number of our close friends is declining as well, with the average being two close friends. So in light of this new study, today I am thankful for the relationships in my life. I have a husband that I can confide in, a sister who knows my past and will listen to my deepest fears, and two great girlfriends who I dream with and discuss life with and giggle with. I have 4 people whom I can share anything with, and for those blessings, I am extremely thankful.