Lessons I've Learned

So here it is the week of Thanksgiving, and like many churches, our worship service on Sunday centered around giving thanks to God for so many things that we have. But this past Sunday, the choir sang a song that caused me to think. (I love when that happens!) One of the lines of the song said "for lessons we've learned, we give You thanks". I had never thought about giving thanks to God for lessons I've learned, but wow, am I ever thankful for those lessons!
When I consider it deeper, I realize that those lessons came with a price. I was always the kind of kid who didn't learn as much in the classroom as I did on the field trips and unfortunately most of my spiritual lessons have required a field trip or two. Even now, I am not a book or lecture learner, I learn by experience. Therefore, the most significant lessons in my life usually came out of experiences that often include failure and pain.
For instance, I learned about the incredible grace of God after I had walked far from him only to return and feel the forgiveness and acceptance that only He gives. I learned about His perfect timing during 4 painful years of infertility and His generosity after giving birth to 3 children. I learned about His sense of humor when He told me to buy the fabric store. :-)
I continue to learn about His sufficiency each time I have the opportunity to teach Bible study or lead worship. I learn about His sanctifying power every time I choose to obey His voice. I continue to learn about His forgiveness and grace every time I don't choose to obey His voice.
There are so many other lessons that I'm thankful for. I'm thankful He continues to teach me, stretch me and mold me. And this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned and for the ones still to come.