Thanksgiving Week

     Here we are entering one of my most favorite weeks of the year.  The week of Thanksgiving.  Work on Monday and Tuesday will give way to the big pie making day on Wednesday.  Add a couple of loaves of cranberry bread, and the house should be warm, cozy, and filled with delicious aromas.  Thursday is the day for making artisan bread, a special request from my daughter, and joining with her family and our oldest son for turkey and all the trimmings.  What could be better than celebrating with loved ones the gifts we've been given throughout the year?

     For me this has been a wonderful twelve months.  I've had some extra time to be at home--my favorite place--caring for my favorite person, and simply enjoying being a homemaker.  Recently, I've been blessed to be offered an at home job, where I can be accessible to my husband and able to care for his needs.  In a climate that is sometimes harsh and icy, I have to add the blessing of not having to drive on ice and snow to get to work.  How great is that?!
     I've been delighted  this month to see some of my friends on Facebook post daily entries of blessings for which they are grateful.  It has been a constant reminder that there are gifts, great and small, that grace each day.  Therefore, there are reasons every day for joy.  
     Because this is Thanksgiving week, I plan to let this be an extra special time of pondering and gratitude as I count my blessings and express, sometimes silently, sometimes aloud, the appreciation I feel for each one. In addition, I've set a goal to send written expressions of thanks to some of the people who have especially blessed my life through their actions, who have been an example of goodness, or who have inspired me. 
     What a perfect season for reflection; a time, not to be hurried through or dismissed, but to be savored.  An opportunity to think of those who have touched my life for good, and of those things which have come to gladden my heart and ease my way.

First Thanksgiving, Plymouth Colony, 1621

     It seems incredible to me that it was nearly 400 years ago that the Pilgrims established their new home at Plymouth colony.  I am grateful that in spite of all the hardships they suffered, and the deaths of so many of their little band, those 53 survivors still found it in their hearts to set aside a day to thank God for His blessings, and for a successful harvest.  I wonder, how many successful
harvests do we enjoy throughout our year?  The harvest of income to meet the needs of our families; the harvest of a good education;  the harvest of information that comes as we read books, magazines and newspapers; the harvest of strength and guidance we receive through the support and encouragement of family and friends; the harvest of good health through abundant food and skilled medical care; the spiritual harvest of prayers that are answered and blessings received--of safety, of happiness, of wants supplied, of peace and freedom; the harvest of joy from time spent with those we love.  We do not lack for an abundant harvest.  For all these blessings, may we give thanks all year long, and especially during this wonderful Thanksgiving week.


TODAY'S GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT:  During this special week, take time to hold a child close, or to be extra kind to a pet, to remember the goodness of a friend, to reflect on your love for your spouse, to consider God's care.  Then, let your lips express the appreciation that your heart feels.