thou fount of every blessing

there is so much to be thankful for. there just is. HE's given us so much to be thankful for. not only in the form of physical provision, but in the form of relationships and love. the showing of HIS hand has come in all these ways to me... i frequently pause to note the abundance of HIS care, but i seem to take more time to stop and dwell on HIS goodness in this season of thanksgiving.

i used to lump thanksgiving in with the other fluffy holidays that are marked with sugary, gaudy decorations and gift bags, but in recent years i've gradually pulled thanksgiving out of that mess and placed it next to christmas in my mind. i've placed it there because it marks, to me, the beginning of a season- a season of thanks. it brings me to focus on what truly matters and prompts me to hold in my spirit those most important things as the rest of corporate america marches into clear-out, mark-down, ball-buster sales beginning at midnight. i've come to realize i'm not even so keen on the idea of the first pilgrim "thanksgiving," which probably was marked with more pain and suffering than anything else. what i am keen on is clutching in my hands every snippet of HIS grace that i can.

these glimpses of grace and provision to me, this year, are largely represented by, but not limited to:
-a past year of clinging to my Father's hand that never wavered
-a husband that chooses me every day
-a dad that has been declared cancer-free for the last 2 doctor appointments
-a brother on the opposite side of the world photographing and loving the nations, who is being kept safe and sound
-a supportive and attentive crop of beautiful family members and friends
-physical provision that is enough, every day

if these things are only the beginning of my list were i to write the whole thing, how can i utter a single complaint? there are more people in this world who don't have enough than who do, and i want to live mindful of those who need what i sometimes take as a given.

let tomorrow, thanksgiving, usher in a season of thanks. let it be a beautiful mark of the beginning of the weeks leading up to christmas. let thanksgiving usher in a joyful spirit of gratitude and worship of our God who loves us so lavishly. it could become a part of christmas in a way that helps us better love each other. it could help us to reach out and look around for the ones who can't compose a list of what they're thankful for. and though it's not about the gigantic proportions of traditional foods, i want to use my laden table as a means to connect with those eyes across the table and all around me, that look back at me as friends and family beside me on this walk.

there is so much to be thankful for.