Every year.
Every. single. year.
They leave me undone.
They make me laugh to see the cute art work by the kids.
Lovingly those kids have made a name tag for every guest we’ve ever had.
Those name tags humble me to the sheer number of people that have sat around this farmhouse table to break bread and give Thanks.
They also make me weep at time gone by.
At the changes that these years have brought.
The name tag says, Handmade by Elijah and Clarissa.
I’ve been cooking for two days.
Pie crusts and stuffing.
Pies are ready!
Turkey and gravy.
Chex mix and coffee.
The house is warm and full of delightful smells.
Kids are coming and going with work and days off from school.
We set the table and look forward to friends arriving.
We set two name tags by Elijah’s candle.
I pause for a moment.
I thank God for the years with my son.
I thank God for the gift he was to us all.
We are all better people for knowing him.
I continue to not understand this journey.
Yet, as time goes on, I am more content with not knowing or understanding.
There is a peace; a contentment in just trusting.
I rest in the full house.
The giggles, fighting and arguing.
I feel the cool air flow as once again the farmhouse doors are opened and friends walk in.
30 Days of Thankfulness
I am thankful for:
A life that is rich and full
steaming hot cups of coffee
Abundant grace
a full table of food, friends and family
movies and too many people to fit in chairs and couches
pie for breakfast
creativity
hope
the beginning of Advent
the rough times that lead me closer to the cross
Name tags that remind me of so many
prayer
these past 30 days of intentionally seeking to have a grateful heart
