Thanksgiving, Snow, and a Full House

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Today it is snowing. Last night the last of our kids came home for the holiday—including Jonathan’s fiancée, Dani.  So, here we are with a full house, watching it snow, awaiting the start of our Thanksgiving celebrations.  Today, there will be some baking, maybe some board games played, and most likely some snow removed.  Earlier this morning I put on some extra coffee.  For lunch I think I made about a dozen quesadillas.  Tonight’s dinner will include a bit more pasta than Kim and I would normally make for just the two of us.  Oh, did I mention that tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Day?

In the midst of all the busyness and excitement of our home and the holiday—and the snow—I want to be careful not to lose sight of the purpose of the day we are about to celebrate.  So, let me list a few things that come to mind as I reflect upon this past year. 

1.   I am grateful for my wife Kim and my three children.  Each one of them is an incredible blessing in my life.  Although it is hard, it is also a joy to see each of my children growing into adulthood, even to the point that now one of them is engaged! (And, we are all very excited to have Dani as the “new addition” to the family!)

2.   I am grateful that, although this has been a very challenging year, to say the least, God has given us grace and strength.  With the sudden illness of my dad last winter, his death in May, and the special care my mom has needed, I/we have had our share of sorrow and pain. But, God has been faithful and gracious to help us through each moment of difficulty and pain. He has truly been our “Good Shepherd.”    

3.    I am grateful for God’s provision throughout this past year.  Although at times I may worry about finances, God has provided for us. My family has had food, shelter, and clothing. Every need has been met, and maybe even a little bit more. 

4.     I am grateful for the people God has placed in my life. This includes my extended family—brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, parents, and in-laws—and special friends. Each one of them has been a blessing in my life in different ways. Each one has walked with me through the valleys of my life this past year. I’m blessed to have them as part of my life.    

5.     I am grateful for the privilege of serving God in the role and capacities to which he has called me.  I know I don’t deserve to serve in this way, but God, in his grace and mercy, has allowed me to continue to do so.

Well, the list could go on, but by now you are probably getting tired of reading. So, I’ll just stop there.  However, I didn’t want my opportunity to give thanks to God in this way, pass by in the midst of Thanksgiving, snow, and a full house!

Have a great day and a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Pastor Tim Harris

www. pifny.org