Today is Thanksgiving Day. And we're home being still. It's weird to not be having the traditional dinner or be in a house filled with the sights and sounds of Thanksgiving. And loads of loved ones.
But it's wonderful just being quiet today too. Jeremy has been working overtime since September, and I've missed him so much. We've all missed him. Four days together is just glorious, and it's rather wonderful this year to not be having the normal Thanksgiving festivities on Thanksgiving.
We'll be hosting a traditional dinner with all the trimmings tomorrow night with family and friends. And I can't wait. It is pretty much my favorite day of the year. But it's lovely to have this day to pause.
If I could only say one thing today, I'd say I'm thankful.
Of course.
{Story Photographic} by Carly Webber
If I had nothing but Jesus and the hope of heaven, It'd be enough. I pray my heart's stance would stay the same if it ever came to that.
Because it is everything.
“...life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change.” - Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
After all God has done for us through His son, Jesus, I can't believe He continues to give gifts. Amazingly good gifts.
The Holy Spirit.
Family.
Marriage.
Children.
Friendships.
Hardships. They help me see my need for a Strong One to lean on.
“The practice of giving thanks...eucharisteo...this is the way we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes. We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see.”
Church body.
Ministry.
Home.
Food.
Health.
Sickness. It helps me feel small, because I am after all.
“How my eyes see, perspective, is my key to enter into His gates. I can only do so with thanksgiving. If my inner eye has God seeping up through all things, then can't I give thanks for anything? And if I can give thanks for the good things, the hard things, the absolute everything, I can enter the gates to glory. Living in His presence is fullness of joy- and seeing shows the way in.”
Time.
Love.
Delight.
Peace.
Joy.
Growth.
The Word.
Change. This helps me trust.
“We only enter into the full life if our faith gives thanks. Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if not with thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His grace.”
Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
Maybe you'll join me as I read through Ann Voskamp's new advent devotional book, The Greatest Gift, this December? We start December 1st.