It's Not About Turkey and Football

It's not about turkey and football, although those have been the main ingredients of most of my 60something Thanksgivings.

It's about giving. And thanks.

We are nourished by the giving and the gratefulness even more than we are nourished by the turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie.

Our souls are nourished by God.

It is in the giving of thanks that we acknowledge the existence of the One who formed us. The One who gives life.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Matthew 26:26  NIV

The greek word for "thank you" is efharisto.In English, Eucharist. In offering thanks to our Creator, we acknowledge His existence, His presence among us and within us.

His love for us.

"The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB)

May your day of giving thanks be filled with joy, family...

...and love.

Now Thank We All Our God

Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.TNL

It sounds crazy, but my Dear Husband and I are grateful for the recent events that rocked our world. Coming close to death teaches us what real life is. Our prayer has been that God won't let us forget how grateful we feel for

11.each other
12.almost 34 years together
13.our 3 children (now adults) of promise and our beautiful daughter in love
14.our 3 grandchildren, the Sprittles
15.being blessed with parents who loved us and taught us about Jesus
16.the friends God has given us for our journey on earth
17.laughter
18.the Words of God written in a language we can understand and hold in our hearts
19.conversations about Life
20.the beauty of God reflected in the Christmas cactus blooms beginning to emerge
21.the glory of the skies
22.the kindness of strangers
23.music
24.words of beauty that touch the heart
25.the cloud of faith witnesses through the ages
26.time with family to touch, to listen, to love
27.fond memories of childhood
28.the awe and wonder of the Christmas season ahead
29.joy that arises from hope
30.this gratitude community

A favorite hymn from childhood echoes in my mind these days.

"Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices."

It was written at a time of war and pestilence and lack by a pastor who knew his Redeemer was the sum of all things. I encourage you to read about his story here.

Now thank we all our God

With heart and hands and voices

Who wondrous things hath done,

In whom his world rejoices;

Who from our mothers’ arms,

Hath blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

Won't you join me as I join others in the impossible--the recounting of those "countless gifts of love" at the gratitude community?

Gratitude

In the dim, he sleeps and I sit, listening to the tick tick of the iv drip. A thin ribbon of red flows from overhead. My eyes fix on the words "volunteer donor."

Today I offer a prayer of thanks and blessing to "volunteer donor" for his/her precious gift to my Dear Professor. They are an army of 5 before the day is done.

Five, the number of grace. How can I say thanks for such a treasure?

But there are more. A multitude. I offer gratitude to:

the calm voice answering the 911 call;

the emergency team who whisk him off into the night, sirens blaring, lights flashing, down our country road;

a young friend who leaves husband and child to surprise me in the ER asking, "how are you?";

a smile and hug from an old acquaintance now working in the hospital;

a brief visit from far away friends bringing a prayer, a touch, and a meal to nourish my body as their friendship nourishes my soul;

the skilled hands of paramedics, nurses, doctors, technicians offering compassion and care;

our scattered family supporting us over the miles with calls, prayers, email;

our faith community, encouraging and journeying with us;

Our Father, Great Physician, Giver of life, Quieter of fearful minds, Restorer, Redeemer;

There are more for tomorrow, but that is a start for today. My heart is full. My eyes overflow as I lean against my Dear Professor's chest and listen... to his heart... beat.

In the dim, he sleeps and I sit. Thankful.

(note: The above was written 3 days ago. My Dear Professor continues his recovery, gaining strength each day. For that I continue to be thankful.)