Thoughts on Thanksgiving

I awoke early this morning, earlier than early for *me* - 5:30 or so. I couldn't have really felt 'thankfulness' (even though I prayed with others for it on Sunday afternoon) for the most recent batch of hard times (otherwise known as life) until this morning.


God directed me to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 16 for this morning's reading, and once again it is confirmed to me that *Nothing* is ordered by God without purpose. Such a comfort and a joy! With God, hard times can be followed by times of blessing.


In this passage, God is instructing the Israelites on the second major annual harvest festival that they are to celebrate, in which he is telling them to give freewill offerings (vs. 10) and *rejoice* before the Lord your God (vs. 11), you and your son and your daughter, your servants, the Levite...the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are among you....you shall remember that (vs. 12) you were a slave (yes, we can be enslaved to many things!).

Vs 14, he says "And you shall rejoice in your feast, you an your son and your daughter, etc...because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice.


This is a scene of the ultimate experience and outward expression of inward Thanksgiving, and I am thrilled that this morning, I have a similar sense of Thanksgiving, in my heart and home and life. That said, I am going to be careful that when family members start to wander from the Thanksgiving table, and my romantic expectation to be all deep, warm and fuzzy, rejoicing (dancing), may melt quickly before my (our?) eyes, as brothers, nephews, husband, sons...even *I myself* amble to the TV to watch football.

This was THE common occurance during my growing up years, which we experience even as adults returning "home." BUT...I will treasure this passage in my heart. God has given me a very clear reminder, I am thankful before hand, and I will also lower my expectations on extended family events.

I awoke this morning with a sense of comfort and grattitude that I can feel thankful for hard times.


Love and Rich Blessings in HIM alone!

Javamom