I am grateful for service.

I would like to believe that throughout the majority of my life I’ve been on the side of offering service rather than on the receiving end of it. I know how rewarding serving can feel but the last few years I have been forced to welcome service because I absolutely needed the help so desperately.

To my surprise I feel Gods love for me now in a way I’ve never known before because it has transformed my perception of service and how important it is to give AND accept it because it blesses so many in the process.

I have a box containing notes and cards since my big D-day from those that have loved and served me in some way. I always keep them and still read them from time to time. They remind me I am capable of loving and that God is aware of me. Also, that there are so many angels here on Earth. Many times these notes are accompanied by meals, groceries, prayers, flowers, hugs, gifts, treats and energy.

There was a time I was so depleted of my own needs I could barely meet them for my boys and the food brought in saved me. Part of my trauma was not being able to be the mom I wanted to be for my boys because I was otherwise distracted.

I will be forever thankful for the outpouring of love and support my boys witnessed that I would normally never permit. I felt so broken and feared being treated differently and instead we were surrounded by an undeniably immovable support system that has stayed consistent to this very day.

My mom taught me the importance of writing thank you cards and I still value this dwindling practice. Yet as hard as I try I will never be able to write enough thank you notes back to all that have ever served me. I’ve instead turned to God in prayer that they may know and one day feel the pure gratitude and love I hold in my heart for them. I have made my own efforts to still serve back where I can.

In this opportunity to share today may I also say THANK YOU to anyone that has ever touched our lives. May we take time this season to not just serve others but also to let others in so we can be served as well.

@marnibown #givethanks #service #thankyou #thankyounotes #hope #betrayaltrauma #divorce #addiction