TO PONDER
It’s hard to grasp that another Thanksgiving is already upon us. It’s that time of year to ponder what we have to be thankful for. Most of us have a lot to be thankful for… starting with grace. I think it’s a wise person that takes the time to ponder and count their blessings.
I’m out of town as I struggle to type this post out. The truth is I’m pressed for time and the hankering to write something new isn’t bubbling up within me. If muses were real, mine would have disappeared like a Houdini vanishing act. But I have much to be thankful for.
I think sometimes we have to use our free will and discipline to force ourselves to ponder how much we have. And it’s too easy take our many gifts for granted.
With my family growing older and expanding we won’t be passing the turkey or stuffing around the table, although it’s usually osso buco or homemade pizza, but you get the idea. The kids will be doing their own thing and a phone call or text will have to suffice.
image courtesy of howthingswork.com
I won’t be eating any apple or pumpkin pie either, but it’s not because I can’t have any, it’s because I’ll use that free will to wait till Christmas. Pie once a year is sufficient if I’m gonna keep my waistline in check.
I’m thankful for a healthy family; the kid’s and grandkids. I’m thankful for the provision from God that keeps us with a roof over our heads and food on the table. I’m thankful for the health that allows all of us to get out and work and play.
Above all I’m thankful for that grace that comes from our Maker. I’m eternally grateful for the understanding of His Son’s sacrifice on our behalf and that acceptance that defines our final destination for eternity.
I’m thankful I get to bow my head in humility and thank our Father for His many gifts. Being grateful is a position of humility and that’s the only place we’ll find peace with our Maker in this flesh.
I pray blessings on you and yours. I hope you get a few minutes to ponder all your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. May God bless you and yours.
Monday, November 19, 2018 @ 5:21 am
Well said Floyd. With one daughter living close and the other (and her family) living over 4 hours away, Thanksgiving day will begin with a quiet time of NMM and thanksgiving and then serving lunch to members of the Spencer community. We will deliver over 30 meals, maybe more. We will serve people at the Lion’s Club,a building in town we have access to. then it will be quiet afternoon of watching “Wonderful Life” and “The Santa Clause” with short bike ride (weather permitting) fit in. But in all of it, I want to be thankful. I’m thankful for your online friendship. Whether alone or with family, I hope you and Diane have a grateful day together.
Monday, November 19, 2018 @ 9:07 am
Thank you Floyd for the reminder to be thankful for grace. Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 19, 2018 @ 10:13 am
Ace and I are without our children and grand children this Thanksgiving. We have decided to not go to an invite at a friends house due to my hubby not feeling well. Like you, we are grateful for everything you mention. Thankful as Bill is for my online blog friends.
My spiritual heart is ready to see Jesus face to face but I am grateful He is giving us more time to witness to those who are lost around us. Grateful for His grace that calls from the written Word to live a grace life and the power to put it into practice. Happy Thanksgiving brother and to yours.
Monday, November 19, 2018 @ 7:21 pm
Floyd, it is the wise persons who take the time to count their blessings, and give thanks to the Lord who has given them all to us. We are facing what could most probably be the last Thanksgiving with both our mothers with us. Danny’s is not doing well, as we strive to care for her. My son will be collecting my mother, all of 90 years, to come spend that day with us. We pray the Lord will give us special and long-reaching memories of this time together.
Yes, years go by, and circumstances change, but God is the same always, and present in all situations.
May your Thanksgiving Day be blessed, my friend!
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 5:42 am
Floyd, thank you for the clarity of your vision regarding thankfulness and for your articulate way of revealing to your readers the day-to-day struggle we all have between attention to ordinary work and also to pious thankfulness. May we all achieve a fine balance on Thursday…and carry that balance through Advent to the miraculous birth of our Savior! Bless you.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 7:07 am
This post just spoke straight to my heart. You may have felt like you were struggling to get it out but it is some of your finest work, brother. I can so relate to your feelings at this season of life, thankfully, not the part of having your kids all gone from home now, as our dear boy is 17 and still living under our roof. How I thank God for that! But the seasons of life are so different for us with 3 of our parents gone, and our last remaining parent soon to leave this world. That, along with other life-altering situations, has landed us in a very unfamiliar phase, and faith has taken on a whole new meaning for us. I am thankful for SO many things this Thanksgiving, and one of those things is that you and your friendship are a very real part of our lives, even though we have never met. You have encouraged us and been such a blessing to us time after time, and we trust God will bless you so richly, in return. From our family to you and your family, have a wonderfully blessed and very happy Thanksgiving Day.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 7:44 am
Your post helped me slow down and savor the moments with family, the undeserved mercy of God, and the gift of inspiration from friends like you. Happy Thanksgiving Floyd.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 3:30 pm
Floyd,
Happy Thanksgiving! And yes, gratitude is cultivated in a heart of humility. I am very grateful for God’s grace, family, friends, including your friendship. Blessings, peace, and joy to you and your family 🙂
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 4:58 pm
I find that the changes that come during the holidays are some of the most difficult to bear. Four days isn’t near enough time to thank God for all He has done for me but I will surely try! However, you’re spending your holiday, brother, I pray you will be blessed!
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 5:41 pm
Thanksgiving “the day” changes, but we should be giving thanks daily. This year, my daughter Becky who lives close by, and her husband are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary on a cruise. My son Steve is expecting his son and daughter-in-law to fly in to visit them in the bay area — so I figured I would just be thankful. My youngest daughter decided to fly up to visit me (the fires are being not so bad, and we expect rain.) so Judie visited with me today and is helping me with some business. Wednesday she has planned for her and me to drive to Sacto for a thanksgiving dinner on the train ride. Afterwards we will head to the Sacramento air port to pick up her husband Chuck, and on Thursday, we will enjoy the buffet at the Casino. I know you will have a great day on Thursday, even if it is different that so many other years. Enjoy the Day, and give your wife a hug and a kiss. enjoyed your post as always.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 @ 5:42 pm
Thanksgiving “the day” changes, but we should be giving thanks daily. This year, my daughter Becky who lives close by, and her husband are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary on a cruise. My son Steve is expecting his son and daughter-in-law to fly in to visit them in the bay area — so I figured I would just be thankful. My youngest daughter decided to fly up to visit me (the fires are being not so bad, and we expect rain.) so Judie visited with me today and is helping me with some business. Wednesday she has planned for her and me to drive to Sacto for a thanksgiving dinner on the train ride. Afterwards we will head to the Sacramento air port to pick up her husband Chuck, and on Thursday, we will enjoy the buffet at the Casino. I know you will have a great day on Thursday, even if it is different than so many other years. Enjoy the Day, and give your wife a hug and a kiss. enjoyed your post as always.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 @ 12:39 am
I’m so thankful for many things this year, but actually thinking of spending time alone in my room this Thanksgiving. Not really a big meal eater anymore. But plans may change.
I’m so ready to see the Lord’s face… but knowing He is always near and here is always a wonderful thought, and one to be thankful for!
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 @ 7:02 pm
Thanksgiving is changing for us too with expanding families. But it’s still one of my favorite holidays. Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving, Floyd!