30 days of Thankfulness. The air was crisp and the sky so clear. A beautiful fall evening. We walked to see the Pumpkin Glow. For more than 25 years our neighbors have lovingly grown a sea of pumpkins. They carve and display them the night before and of Halloween. Neighbors come out, folks from all over walk to see the sight. It is the start of the season of gratitude. Gratitude- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. "The quality of being thankful." "Gratitude turns what we have, into enough." The practice of gratitude helps us ... View Post
How Gratitude Changes Us Day #28 of Thankfulness
I have chosen, with God's help, to walk a journey of Thankfulness this month. It is a practice that is cultivated. It requires digging deep and reflection. Finding things to be thankful for is not always easy. There are things to gripe and complain about. Rights violated, feelings hurt, fairness not applied. This is what makes the world turn. Injustices. Anger. Greed. Getting ahead. At all cost. Glamour and prestige. The spotlight. Yet isn't that what Jesus fought the whole time he was here on ... View Post
Right Here, Right Now Day # 21 of Thankfulness
She's home. She's here. We ate dinner together; around that farmhouse table. We held hands to pray. It is in these moments that the empty spot is felt. We all feel it. I breathe deep. I focus on what's right here in front of me. We sing our song for grace. The song the oldest brought home from Preschool. Sung for more than 24 years. There is laughter and joy around this table. These silly kids. This is what God wants me to enjoy. Right here and right now. 30 Days of ... View Post
Sunday Dinner Day # 16
They gathered around the farmhouse table. Sunday dinner. These young men. Telling tales. Laughing. Looking at some hard times with humor. They are finding their way. The farm boy is digging deep these days. A change. Wrestling with the demons that threaten to pull one under. He gathers here and laughs. A rich laugh which reminds me of one gone before him. But yet so different. This farm boy has a carefree nature. Throws caution to the wind. (not always a good ... View Post
The Ultimate Sacrifice Day #11 of Thankfulness
Fancy pants dining. It's what they do. All these kids. From the time they were little. Aunt Clara's china being used. The candle light glowing. It's in those moments I see the table full. All the seats occupied. The laughter and joy around the farmhouse table. Things have changed. So much. One space remains empty; forever. The future, here on this earth, not mine to know. I know he was dedicated. Committed. He wanted to serve this country with his life. The eleventh ... View Post
Come, Sit At My Table
Come to my table and sit for a spell. Where generations have gathered. Stories and woes poured out. Hot steaming cups of warmth in hand, as time passes. Nourishment given. Come to the table where we share who we are. Where we break bread and study the word. Come, sit with me. I long to hear the stories. I long to walk a spell. Held captive by the road with which you have walked. Come to my table and sit for spell. Take a load of your feet. Lay down your burden, release your shame. You ... View Post
