Well, I've finally sat myself down to blog and I realized that I have too much stuff to blog about.... so I've decided to tell you about one thing at a time. Right now, it is ThanksgivingLIDGTTFTATIM
That string of letters hung in the Putt-Putt Golf & Games redemption area when I worked there as a teenager. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what it meant and finally found out from one of the other employees: Lord, I do give Thee thanks for the abundance that is mine.
I haven't forgotten it because it is a creative and poignant way to be reminded to be thankful. This day is no different. I'm thankful for many things: pecan pie, central heat & air, double-ply toilet paper, just to name a few. Of course, it is fashionable to be thankful for family and forgiveness and our jobs and homes, but I really think that thankfulness should run deeper and more extensively than those things. When was the last time you stopped and really appreciated, I mean *really* appreciated shoelaces (or Velcro, for that matter)? Or synthetic fiber? Or ice from Sonic? Or sphygmomanometers?
Many of us have stories about our children learning to pray where they thank God not only for the food and their families, but then start looking around and thanking God for everything they can see. We think it is cute and after the 50th item (thank you for the table, and thank you for my milk, and thank you for my spoon, and thank you .... THAT'S enough, baby... say "amen".), we put a gentle stop to it and smile and eat our food. But what is a game to the kid should be something more serious to us. Let's cultivate an attitude of gratitude and be sure to give thanks and honor where they are eternally due.
Lord, give us eyes to see the abundance in our lives. Give us tongues to thank you for your bountiful grace and daily mercies. Give us hands and feet that share our __________ with others so they can come to appreciate your love. Give us hearts to receive and share your Son with all those you put in our sphere of influence. Give us the courage and faith to give YOU our all in return. All I have, all I am, all I hope to be, I give to you, God. I pray it is acceptable in your sight. amen.
One other thing I have to be thankful about is the visible change in season here in Abilene on this fine thanksgiving day. Take a look at these pictures documenting the progression of seasonal change as recorded by my camera from the warmth of my home :)
1) The turkeys are fried and carried into the kitchen
2) MH notices tiny flakes are falling. I tell her not to get excited, that it won't amount to much and even if it does, it probably won't stick.
3) The snowflakes get thicker and starts to stick on the ground.
4) The kids beg to go back outside after lunch and play in the snow.
5) Some people, like Adrian and Kirra, had the good sense to watch the snow fall from the comfort of the bay window.
6) Others wanted to go outside and pose for pictures.
7) These three hams stayed outside so long that when they came inside....
8) They were soooo cold... Ethan's hands hurt as they warmed up.
8) They were soooo cold... Ethan's hands hurt as they warmed up.
9) A snowman was made and good times were had by all. Be thankful, be thankful.
-jeff
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