Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. (Psalm 32:1) The first of many things I am thankful for is the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ's perfect life, suffering and death, and resurrection.
Employment - a job - an opportunity to work in a field that interests me and serves others is a great blessing. It's been a hectic, but productive year of work with a good group of colleagues.
Independence is an incredible gift to each of us and to our country. In large and small ways, our freedom to choose the direction of our life is the reason for the United States of America. The elections we participated in earlier this month are part of our celebration of independence.
Neighbors who live on either side of us or our neighbors at work may be friends or may be even closer - they are the ones we lean on for help when the water pipe bursts; we need a cup of sugar; or need a hand. Thank them.
Good food sustains us - today it brings us to the dinner table to be with friends and family - while we bow our heads in thanksgiving it's a good idea to thank those who grow the food and our Creator for fields and annual abundant bounty.
--------------
Gathering is part of the harvest, but it's also a good time to slow down for Thanksgiving, for Christmas, or for New Year to put the day to day rush on pause to really spend time with family and friends.
Relationships are a big part of Thanksgiving celebrations - whether it's time for the whole extended family to gather around the dinner table or a few special people over for good food while watching the game - it's a good time to thank those for whom you care the most.
Aging is a great gift as it shifts our perspective and helps us accumulate memories and experience; in fact, there's no other way to acquire such great gifts. Maybe this year you can hear (and pay attention) to stories about how others celebrate this special American holiday.
Turkey, especially today, is something to be thankful for, if for no other reason that it provides good reasons to enjoy leftover turkey (turkey salad sandwiches with potato stix) and take an afternoon nap!
Empathy is a helpful emotion to temper the holiday - it puts our bountiful blessings in a good light and reminds us that with our gifts there are great ways to help others now and throughout the year.
Family and friends are the people we love and who love us whether we (or they) are all that loveable at the time. They are part of who we are and we, in turn, influence their lives too.
Unique traditions are a gift with which to mark your celebration. One I learned about started in the Midwest, in Davenport, Iowa. Turkey Notes - Turkey red; Turkey blue; Turkey says; Happy Thanksgiving to you! Follow the link to the Davenport Public Library and give it a try.
Love is really what brings this holiday together... starting with the incredible blessings God gives us each day of our lives because He loves us, even giving His Son. Those we love may be far from perfect, and I'm sure they can say the same about us.
Today, we practice being grateful with our families. It's a long list - one made longer as those family and friends around our table make their own additions. When it comes to giving thanks - there are many people to thank, but it's a good time to stop and thank the Creator who gives us all things.
I'm thankful for you taking time to read this little blog; thankful for my family; my friends; present and past colleagues at various jobs; the men and women serving our country at home and abroad; and the opportunity to live in the U.S.A.
If you are interested in checking out prior year acrostic efforts, click on the year:
2013 2012
Comments
Post a Comment