You know, I have a lot to be thankful for. A Lot. Most of us do. Its true that I am supposed to have a heart filled with gratitude all year. But today, on Canadian Thanksgiving, it’s the beginning of a season when I really try to focus my attitude. Here, around our house, for the next six weeks or so, my family will try to set our hearts and minds on God’s goodness.
From past experience, I know it is easy to get distracted from the plan, even though it is so simple. So, we take turns writing things down on small pieces of paper each day and put the thoughts in a jar. Here were a few of the things my children wrote down today. From Isaac: “I am thankful Nanny and Papa are coming tomorrow.” From Emily: “I am thankful, most of the time, that I get to do school with Mama.”
Tonight I decided to dwell on some of the things I am thankful for…
Daily mercy from a loving Heavenly Father. There’s no other way I’d survive.
My Mom and Dad who are coming to visit tomorrow, – they are two of my best friends in the whole world and I can’t wait to hug their necks.
His consistent goodness, in spite of my failures and shortcomings. I deserve nothing, and He has given everything.
Precious family, Michael, Emily, Isaac and Mackenzie – Why the Lord saw fit to bless me with these loved ones, I’ll never understand in this lifetime.
My house, and all of the lovely, comfort-filled things that make it our home – including my king-sized, soft, snuggly bed. It is one of my very favorite things, and I love to sleep in it!
Love and Forgiveness working together in my heart to bring freedom; I’m relieved to know I no longer have to achieve.
School work, house work, music work, workshop building work (out back), Michael’s (Unum) work, kitchen work – all of the kinds of “work” that keep us busy, alive and thriving in so many different ways. Truly, I’m just thankful for a body and spirit that “can do!”
Friendships near and far, dear ones who bless me generously with love and encouragement when I need it.
My heart is so full, and I’m just getting started… There is so much, much more.
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Here, at the beginning of this Thanksgiving season, I am reminded of one of my very favorite hymns. As I read the words, I’m singing it from my heart, to the Giver of every blessing. Tune my heart, Lord – let me sing a song of Thanksgiving to You!
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
Come Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of God’s unchanging love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I’m come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
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