The Season of Thanksgiving is drawing to a close.
Soon to enter Advent.
A Season of Waiting and Preparation.
That we spend time before Advent in deep gratitude seems only fitting.
A time to prepare our hearts to wait; spent time in gratitude.
As I look for the gift in Thanksgiving.
I am changed.
I am hopeful.
It is not easy.
Aren’t we as a people so easily frustrated.
Grocery lines.
Gas lines.
Slow drivers.
Drivers that drive too fast.
Mistakes.
Returns.
All producing frustration and a lack of gratitude.
How many of us say, “Oh, I am so excited that the line at the grocery wraps twice around the store.”
“Yippee! I’m stuck in traffic.”
I for one don’t.
I catch my self so tense and irritated.
Living in a rural area I have become accustomed to not waiting.
There just aren’t as many people.
So, when there is a little traffic, I’m upset.
It is in these moments that God wants to work.
To change us.
To teach us.
Deep gratitude.
When we take the time to look and see how to give thanks.
We are a changed people.
Traffic; prayer for the vehicle in front of us; or behind us.
Grocery store: prayer for the line-many in that line feel the same way you do- look to see how you can bless someone.
Pay it forward at the toll, the coffee shop; when you don’t feel like it.
This week I stepped into the busyness of our schedule.
My farmer though; he stays so constant.
He invites the truck driver from the wood ash delivery to dinner.
He lives his faith.
Unwaivering.
Steady.
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
His life, his ministry.
I’m still planning and checking things off my list.
But I’m going to open my eyes a little wider today.
I am thankful for:
the heavy laden snow on the branches
the promise of eternity
our sins made as white as the snow
my farmer and his never wavering faith
the example my farmer is to me
my daughters and their help cleaning
the farm boy and despite his busy schedule heads to a fire meeting
my dancer girl and her gentle heart and willing spirit
the differences in all our children
these snowy days that make us slow down
the hope in this new day
preparations for Thanksgiving; cleaning, baking, cooking
this drafty house when the wind blows; it may be a little cold but it is full of love
the struggles that bring me to my knees lately and the reminder that God and God alone is in control
the creaks in the floor boards that let me know who is awake and walking around upstairs
family; both far and near and the ones whose address is now eternity
Reach deep my friends for gratitude; even when things are so rough.
Give thanks for each gift.
Still trying to make this the “best day ever. “
