As I spend the day before Thanksgiving preparing the pumpkin for the pumpkin pie, making the cranberry jello salad, pecan pie and cherry cobbler, I am reflecting on the things and people that I am truly thankful for. It's been a tough year for me spiritually...within the walls of my home church....but I remain faithful to my Savior. I am thankful that He is with me in times of trial and in times of joy.
Today, I also reflect on the other things for which I am thankful; my loving family. No doubt, second to my Savior, my family is truly my rock. They are the ones I crave companionship with and they are the ones I depend on for advice, love and support.
My job has been faithful to me as well. I have a great job that allows me to support three thriving families. I am thankful that He put me there at the right time.
I am thankful for the good health of my loved ones.
Then, I can't help but think of those who are hurting. My sister's stepchildren are about to lose their grandmother. Cancer is an ugly thing. I pray that she knows her Savior too.
Pat lost her brother this week after a long illness. Bill will face a surgery in the coming days. Sharon lost her dad this week. Willie struggles with her faith. Bill has found a new church family, but his wife attends a different one to support her mother. April leaves her job and faces a new journey. Anita still searches for her father. My father struggles with lonliness, one that we cannot fill. Two families lost their sons to suicide last week in the community in which I work.
These folks will be in my thoughts for a while.
I rejoice that an older man, without family, will join our family for the big feast tomorrow. Boy, is he in for a trip! But, I also pray that he sees our love of family while he visits with us.
So, to anyone who might read this. Give thanks for the important things, things you cannot buy. Open your heart to someone who needs you. Give thanks around your Thanksgiving dinner table, one person at a time.
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