So Incredibly Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving 2009. A time set aside to give thanks and share our abundance with family and friends.

In many kitchens, as the sun rose this beautiful morning, turkeys were washed, rubbed with butter, filled with dressing, nestled in a big pan and lovingly placed in a hot oven. The snap of fresh green beans is mingled with the talking, sharing and laughter of those busy in the kitchen. The many pealed potatoes boiling in savory salt water, waiting to become creamy mashed potatoes, all ready for hot flowing gravy. Relish trays, pats of butter, home made rolls, old family recipe of cranberry relish all prepared as old traditions dictate. Pumpkin pies, the color so like autumn with fragrant nutmeg, cinnamon, and golden buttery crusts cooling on the kitchen counter tops.

Some tables are set with Grandma’s fine china and silver. Sparkling stem wine goblets ready for aged wine. Home made place cards with pressed autumn leaves adorn each carefully placed seat. While other tables, less formal, welcome anyone to sit anywhere with a hodgepodge of plates, mismatched silverware and canning jars for glasses. Makes no difference, we all gather for the same reason….to give thanks and share our abundance with family and friends.

As I sit, while my turkey is in the oven and my traditional broth for my baked dressing is cooling, I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving for all that I have. A loving husband, funny and wonderful children who have great spouses that I love. Grandchildren who are true gifts from God. Two puppies (now curled at my feet), a comfortable home, a good job that I enjoy, automobile, good books to read, and a working PC that lets me chronicle my thoughts faster than I could write them.

This Thanksgiving I am so thankful for many answered prayers this year. A week ago, we were fearful of losing my older sister Sharon…today she is sitting up and almost ready to go home. I am thankful for sisters and good friends that were deeply involved in all of the needs over the last week. I am thankful my Mom is well cared for and Dad Giffin’s wife Cheri is surrounded by her loving family since Dad will not be with us this year. I am thankful for my many dear sisters and brother in Christ that I love and they love me. What a deep well of encouragement and comfort they are.

I could go on and on…for my soul is so blessed….If I had none of the above my thanksgiving and blessings would still be overflowing. I have a Savior named Jesus who saved me and redeemed me…. who was born of a virgin, was God in the flesh, lived as a man, but without sin...died on the cross, was buried and rose from the grave, as witnessed by many, ascended to heaven to the right hand of the Father and prays for me, comforts me, enlightens me, guides me, and will come back for me to join Him and our Father for eternity. This I know for the Word of God tells me so.

Yes, I am thankful…so thankful…so incredibly thankful.

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