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Photo: jojoDee, 2006, Flickr
One year that always stands out for me is 1998. It was the year that my mom and brother died, and it was the year that my granddaughter was born. It was also the first year my mother wasn’t around to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. So, my sisters and I banned together to start new family traditions. There are three of us and each of us thought we made the BEST Thanksgiving dressing (not stuffing), so we had a contest to determine who made the winning dressing. Not only did that person get to cook the dressing each Thanksgiving from then on, but each of us put up $50 (okay, it’s a contest, not a bet, so don’t get hung up on this), and the winner got all the money. We had three objective judges do ‘blind’ tests of the dressing. Of course, I won!
The second tradition that we started is that after eating, we went around the table and everyone had to say one thing for which they were thankful. We operate on the assumption that EVERYONE has something to be thankful for, because it’s a valid premise. Even though I’ve moved away from most of my family, my grandchildren and I continue that tradition.
I recall that first year that we did this I was so prideful, defiant and arrogant that I said, “I’m thankful that I have a good job and make a lot of money!” When I think of that now, I’m disappointed in myself. That response was so cocky and shallow. But I admit that I said it and that my priorities were different than they are now. Today I’m thankful that I’ve grown from that place. I don’t make a lot of money and my life is challenging, but I’ve got joy now that eluded me at that time in my life. Little things in life give me such immense pleasure.
Beyond Thanksgiving Day, we all have something to be thankful for each day of our lives. We need only look within ourselves to find something to be thankful for. We should be thankful for salvation and the very breathe that we breathe. We need only look around us to be thankful that we are not homeless or don’t have to wonder where our next meal will come from. We need only look at our hands and feet to be grateful that we have the activity of our limbs. And, we need only call to remembrance the date, year and names of our loved ones to be thankful that we are in our ‘right mind,’ and that we have the love and support of those people in our lives.
Today I don’t feel that I’m thankful enough. God has blessed me tremendously. I have a family, friends, health and, more than anything, salvation. When all else fails; when I can’t call on friends and family and I’m too sick to move or utter a word, I know that my God, my Savior knows all about me. He understands what I’m going through, and He cares for me. I’m grateful that my Redeemer lives! What are you thankful for?
Comments
I'm thankful that God stepped in and got my attention once and for all! Of course I had to lose everything in order for that to happen. At the time of course, I dreaded my experiences tremendously, but today I'm so thankful that I can actually BE thankful for those years of my life when everything fell apart. Things had to fall apart, so God could put them back together in the right order - His order most of all and I'm grateful for that!
Wow, U Are So Blessed & Amazing,in laying down the Tracks of Life Lessons. I see we often share parallels, as I do also with the Comments above mine! I blessed haven Fallen from the World of Deception. I thought I was doing right by the Lord, but was only Half-stepping, straddling the Fence. I Wasn't giving Him all that I was capable of, with Marriage,Family,Great Job, Education, Reg Church Attendance &Tithes, Volunteering, Community Service,etc. Between 2002 & 2005 it was All Gone!
I could not figure Out what I was doing wrong, & could not put the Brakes on the Fall. But after Repenting & Coming back into his Light, an Him Revealing those that I could Really count on, I was Okay with it All! I'm at a Peace level I have never experienced Before. I decided to Give Him the Wheel & Let him be My Pilot. It's a tough Process but I know he has My Back, so I go with the Flow!
I'm Thankful for Jesus,My Father in Heaven,My Future Wife he Picked,My Daughter,Grands,Friends,His WORD & Love!
I'm thankful for my middle-aged salvation and trite though it sounds, my health. I'm not as young as I used to be (surprise)and every person I know who is my age is beset by every disease around. I'm grateful to be able to walk, to be free of (most) pain. Mild arthritis is beginning but it responds to aspirin. I'm grateful to be able to work and not be on disability (yes, some family members, very young, need wheelchairs, my son works but just discovered that he has Diabetes). I weep for them, but still appreciate my own situation. Praise the Lord.
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