Thanksgiving Eve. The day before the official day of thanks. Usually I write my Thanksgiving post on THE day of. This year, I decided to mix it up a bit.
Yesterday, I was thinking of the phrase "grateful praise". I, being the Webster guru that I am, looked up both words. Grateful means "feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful". Praise means "to express a favorable judgement of". With these two definitions in mind, I can truly say that Thanksgiving means to me "grateful praise". To some it's the food, how good the turkey and dressing is, and various traditions that Thanksgiving holds. To me, it's giving thanks for ALL and praising Jesus.
My list of thankfuls tends to stay the same and to change from year to year. Just as my priorities have changed up some with age, so has my list. There is no way I can ever list every single thing I have grateful praise for....I simply can't count that high nor can I stay awake to do it even if I could. Through the bad and the good and all the messes and joys of life in between, I am blessed. As the scriptures say, "In every thing give thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I noted a few years back in my thanks considerations that this verse doesn't say "In everything give thanks" but it says "In every thing give thanks." I think there's a big difference.
So here's an abbreviated list of my "grateful praises"....
First and above all, the love and grace and mercy and salvation of an always loving Heavenly Father.
Secondly, a husband, a daughter, son-in-law, and grand baby whom I treasure beyond price.
And then....
...an extended family
...friends who love and care and pray
...a roof over my head, food on my table though pricey that it is, socks and shoes on my feet
...turtlenecks that warm my cold neck
...the comfort of pajamas often at times other than bedtime and the knowledge that the comfort of pajamas often at times other than bedtime is okay!
...a wonderful teacher for my sweet grand to teach her what she needs to learn in school
...wonderful Sunday School teachers and leaders who go to the loving church that holds the most precious of church families who show up for me in love, deed, and prayer
...healing from health issues of the past, at least for now
...grace to endure times of stress and fear. Yes, there are real times of stress and fear.
...deer in the front yard. Often during the day. Many at a time.
...Christmas decor amidst my pumpkins to remind me of joys of the season
...the aid and close finale in letting go of a long time company
...retirement and the success (so far) of being at home 24/7. With the husband and me. Constantly.
...paint by number, crochet, reading, Candy Crush, photography, and all those hobbies that calm my mind
....Isaiah 43:1 & 2 which, along with other favorite scriptures, calms my spirit.
...puzzles, Art, Barbies, Candyland and other fun activities that we share with the Grandbaby
...Gingerbread houses that come assembled and the provision of those that don't.
...laughter
...peppermint/mocha coffee but only if drank before noon.
...a better night's sleep (see above)
You see, the list goes on and on and on. Grateful praise. Praise the Father and giver of it ALL!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Consider...
