With Thanksgiving

“Not what we say about our blessings but how we use them is the true measure of thanksgiving.”   W. T. Purkiser

The past two months have been among some of the first times that I consciously remember praying for and thanking God for delivery trucks and their drivers.  Along with Abby, we have waited for trucks to make deliveries so papers could be sent to yet another location to be signed, stamped, verified, and sealed to complete the documentation for Mary to be adopted.  Since Abby was leaving on Tuesday to fly home, it was important for the last set of papers to arrive on Monday so she could compile all of the documents and send the completed paperwork to its final destination.  I’m sure the mail carrier was a little surprised at the joyful response and appreciation she received when we opened the door and she handed the envelope to Abby on Monday morning.  When Abby explained what was in the packet, the lady offered her congratulations and left with a smile on her face.

Monday afternoon, after scanning the papers, checking and double checking everything, Abby and her sister took the completed set of papers to be shipped.  How appropriate that Scott and Abby received word that on Thanksgiving Day the papers arrived, as well as a box of gifts they had sent for Mary.

What a wonderful time of the year to remember and acknowledge our blessings and thank God for his continual provision and love for us.  One of my favorite parts of this season is the time we spend with family.  What a blessing to have Abby with us during these days.  And because of technology, we have been able to “see” Scott and talk with him.  We were able to spend Sunday with the Schoeffler side of the family and Thanksgiving Day with the Bertrands.  Both homes were full of fun, laughter, food, and lots of visiting.  I’m grateful that both sides of our family shared the day with four generations.

During this holiday season, I hope I will take the time to be appreciative of little and big things alike and will be able to adequately express that gratitude.  Because of God’s continual love and blessings, I pray that my words, actions, deeds, and the way I choose to spend my time will be a true measure of my thanksgiving.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.  Psalm 34:8

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.  2 Corinthians 4:15

 

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  Psalm 100:4