Thanksgiving for our family.
My husband went to work on Thursday so we had already made plans to celebrate on Sunday.
We sang some Christmas carols.
(I know we were blending two seasons, but we love Christmas music and sing it as early as possible.)
We read the Pilgrim’s story.
My heart breaking all over again for the sacrifices those dear people made.
Then we took turns writing what we are thankful for in the back of the book.
My husband carved the turkey and we discussed a few memories while filling out plates.
“Well, two years in a row. We over cooked the broccoli and cheese.”
“It must be that old crockpot. It wasn’t in there more than an hour.”
“Remember how people were eating your honey-butter straight out of the dish while we were in the UK, Mom?”
“They did?! I don’t remember that.”
“Yeah, it was for the cornbread, but Daddy caught them passing it around like a side dish.”
“What’s in these mashed potatoes? They’re really good.”
“Butter, sour cream, milk,…”
“Do you remember the play we put on at the school?”
“Yes, and how the one line he did turned the play into a comedy!”
“I think of him every time I read that!”
It didn’t take long for talking to subside into eating.
After cleaning up most of the family played a board game twice and then a card game..
Later, we watched three episodes of the Chosen.
(If you’ve not seen Season One of the Chosen, you can download their app for free. Dallas Jenkins is the creator and it’s wonderful.)
It was a lovely day of thankfulness and family.
Something my husband and I cherish and realize won’t always be.
Our children are growing up so fast and we know they belong to God.
We want them to go, to do whatever God calls them.
We want them to be people completely surrendered to His perfect will.
Which means we have to surrender our own desires and plans.
Because they only live under the same roof with us for a season.
A season we are so thankful for.
No matter what the future holds, may we never spend so much energy preparing for tomorrow that we miss the blessings of today.
As my husband began his prayer yesterday: “Lord, we really have so much to be thankful for…”
He’s so right!
We have today.
Dear Lord Jesus,
It’s true, we have so much to thank You for. You have given us so much each and every day. Although things can be scary and the future still seems so unpredictable, I thank You that You promise to never leave us. Thank You for providing for us. Thank You for carrying us through. Lord, please continue to help us see the blessings in today. Please help us to live wholly unto You in each day. Lord, we want to serve You, to be close to You, to love You. Please help us to do so. Thank You for yesterday. Thank You for today. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 