I am sure many families have traditions on Thanksgiving. In my family we get together, eat, watch the football game, and draw names for Christmas! Now that there are kids, it is a lot more fun. My niece Lauren asked me if I was going to change before dinner. When I asked why, she said, “Because we should dress up for Thanksgiving.” (Earlier my sister asked if I was going to wear what I was wearing…I guess I should've taken the hint!) But, at the request of a 5 year old, it was time to redo the wardrobe. I just love kids, they just keep it simple.
As many of you know, this year more than any other, we cherished being able to do those simple things. Our lives are a gift from God. Not one of our lives is untouched by the sovereignty of God. He choses the day we are born, the parents we are born to, how many siblings we have and the day we die. And yet, He chose to give my family life… the gift of life. Kristen is not only alive, but walking despite her broken neck and back from the car accident last March. Her husband Ralph and the two kids walked away without a scratch. Angie is cancer free after her masectomy, chemo and radiation treatments this year. Her hair is starting to grow back and she is still as beautiful as ever. Dad celebrated 10 years this year since his open heart surgery. As we sat around the dinner table sharing what we were thankful for, not one eye was dry. We are not just thankful, we are thankful to the LORD!
Psalm 105:1-3,5 “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderous works! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Him rejoice! …Remember the wonderous works that He has done, His miracles…”
Yes, we give thanks to the Lord and remember all the miracles He has done! My family was able to be together, eat, watch the football game and draw names for Christmas. That sounds like a tradition I want to celebrate with a cute outfit! Jesus told us to be like the little children, so let's keep it simple … I am thankful that God gave us the gift of life this year. I can't just let this be the end however.
Without the gift of His son Jesus, we would not have joy at all. Jesus is the best gift of life to us as believers … to all those who would choose to turn from their sin and trust Jesus as their Savior, will have eternal life! Now there is a reason to celebrate!
J, it was wonderful seeing the family through your eyes. Thank you for keeping it simple.
kat