Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It puts things into perspective.  Things may not be perfect.  They aren't.  In fact, they never are.  However, pausing to count your blessings and name them one by one is a good exercise.  Focusing on the blessings you have instead of the imperfections, trials, and disappointments we all experience in our lives takes the emphasis off of us and instead directs it toward the Giver of all good gifts.

The Flannel Channel

We had (and I hope you have too) a wonderful day with beautiful weather, delicious food and fellowship with those we love.  Material things depreciate.  I always think that junkyards and landfills are full of items that were once assets that held the potential to bring happiness and joy.  Maybe they did, temporarily, and now they are rusting out in the corner of a weed-filled lot and forgotten as we shifted to new shiny things we hope will make us happy.  They never do, do they?

Russ, Tricia, Benjamin... and Belle

One of the things that don't depreciate, but instead appreciate in value is memories of time spent with family and friends.  I began to think today of people that have made a difference in my life.  True friends that have been there and remained close, even though we may be distant in miles.  Kind words said, encouragement given, lessons about life taught, time spent that made a real difference.  We gathered around the kitchen, as is tradition, circle up, hold hands and offer sincere thanks to our benevolent God for the many blessings He's given us.  He's given us things and love we didn't deserve.

A feast!

Twenty four years ago, we stenciled Proverbs 15:15 above our kitchen table that says, "The cheerful heart has a continual feast."  It's true!  There are people that are hungry tonight, people that don't have a close family, those without friends, people that are lonely, and people who are sad.  It makes me humble and even guilty, because I have been so blessed.  God is so good!  I'm so thankful for a loving wife.  A true Proverbs 31 woman.  I pray our three kids will find a faithful, Christian spouse like He gave me.

My smiling wife

God's also given us time.  As a child, when we were sick and stayed home from school, we'd watch Bob Barker and "The Price is Right."  Then around lunchtime, the 'stories' would come on TV.  You know, the soap operas.  There was one called Days of Our Lives.  It started out saying, "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives."  Oh, how those sands flow quickly.  In fact, we don't know when the last grain of sand will fall.

I read a novel the other day that had a quote in it that was meaningful.  I kind of collect quotes I like.  It said: "Life is short.  Love who you are.  Love what you do.  Make everyday count."  I'm reminded that God has blessed us with time of undetermined length and we would be wise to be good stewards of it.  We should tell people we love them and appreciate them.

Family is important - so important.  I'm so thankful for Mom & Dad.  People who loved sacrificially and supported us even when we were... turds (ha ha!)  I'm grateful for good examples in my Mom and Dad.  They modeled the good life and gave us a target to shoot for, to aspire to, and for that, I'm appreciative.

As Thanksgiving 2025 comes to an end, I feel I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed.  Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!  Thank you for Jesus.  May God give you assurance of salvation through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ!