Give Thanks

With Thanksgiving Day approaching it is a perfect time to pause and reflect on some of the blessings I have received during the past year. Last Thanksgiving we had most of our family together for a big meal. We enjoyed spending the day together and probably watched some football, played some pool, and took time to thank God for our blessings. Though it seems like it is all about the food, there is a greater appreciation of being with each other, sharing stories and laughter and sometimes tears.

We ooh and aah over the food, trying each new dish and sharing recipes. We savor the fragrances that rise up from the buffet and belabor the tastes that are so pleasing. We soak in the new details and rejoice with those who have good news. We tease and praise and hug each other. We review pictures
and remember moments that have passed.

Time spent together is the most precious of moments. The cheering at ball games or soccer meets or music events, is only a reflection of the love that fills our hearts every hour of every day. The conversation shared during a car ride can bless a heart over and over again. We anticipate future plans and realize how quickly the time passes.

There were blue skies and rain showers, snow storms and hot winds. There were wonderful hugs and smiles and tears of sadness, too. God watches over each minute and gives us blessings and strength. It is time to remember all of the good that we have experienced and Who our blessed redeemer is.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced," (1 Chronicles 16:12 NIV).

Give thanks to the Lord. Amen.