Giving Thanks

Recently, I revisited an emotion I experienced in June 2001. That day I had taken Daddy to Douglas for his first trip home since mid March. He had been in and out of the hospital all spring and we did not know if he would ever return home. Soon after arriving, Daddy was out back surveying - checking on his trees, rootings, and roses. I caught sight of him out the kitchen window and I could not hold back the tears nor the gratitude. " Thank you, God!" I prayed.

Last week I caught sight of my friend Carol Ann as she rounded a corner of a gift shop and again the emotions dripped from my eyes and down my cheeks. And once again I could only say, " Thank you, God!" While CA was in the hospital with a blood clot in her kidney that came from a newly discovered hole in her heart I longed for her to be able to get out and play. CA, I'm so thankful to have you out and about!

The season of Thanksgiving does always remind me to be thankful, but I know holidays are difficult for those whose hearts are broken. Let's remember to prayer for them even more these holiday weeks and prayer that they will be comforted by the One who said He would not leave us comfortless.

I must include this letter that I wrote the first Christmas without my mother, even though I know most of you have read it. Then tomorrow, back to tales of how I shamed the entire family last week. I know you will enjoy that.

December 2000

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your prayers this year. Your prayers have sustained my family and me. We have felt a very special comfort every time we really needed it and did again on Thanksgiving this year.

We were looking forward to the holiday but not the Holiday itself. We planned the traditional feast to include anything that anyone would miss if it were not included. Laurie awaited the pumpkin pie and Leslie the deviled eggs. Daddy and Karen's boys snapped fresh, tender green beans picked out one at a time from the grocer bin and Daddy cooked the turkey. David picked up and picked out pecans from our farm for the pie he brought, while Mark made an acorn squash souffle'. Karen and I cooked the dressing as well as casseroles galore. Lynn, weak from chemo, sat in the kitchen and visited.

We gathered and ate, and laughed, and talked. The turkey was perfect and each dish was cherished by someone. It was a nice, quiet and peaceful meal. We were content to be together but each with our own special memories of past Thanksgiving Days.

The next morning I awoke with an attitude of thanksgiving. Immediately, my mind was filled with the picture of a beautiful bird's nest densely lined with small white feathers. The nest held a family of chirping baby birds. I knew instantly that this was my family being protected and nurtured in that nest, and that the soft down of your prayers lined the nest, prepared my God's own hands.

Thank you for softening our nest. Your prayers are heard. They do make a difference. My prayer for you and your family this Holiday season is that you may be housed in God's nest, built by His love, and filled with His peace.

Love,
June