Thanksgiving Memories

I told my husband I was going to change my tag line just for today to read, "My tummy is full...but so is my heart."

What a great day! We were blessed to have both sets of parents and great-grandmothers with us in our home. But for my husband's sister and her family in Maine we had 4 complete living generations on both sides together.
The children enjoyed quality time with both of their great grandmothers.
Sweet Nana was a very good sport about being at K's mercy in her wheelchair. We couldn't help but giggle when we looked over at her and realized K had dressed her up and filled her lap with toys. I guess she wanted to make sure she didn't get bored!
The balloons were in celebration of my Daddy's 60th birthday, which also happened to be today.

Lookin' snazzy at 60, Poppy! (I told you not to pose like that unless you wanted to see it on the Internet.)

Of course there was plenty of fun to be had with cousins...


And a long lazy afternoon relaxing in front of the fire. We entertained ourselves with dancing and games--including the great balloon rescue challenge--retrieving all of the runaway birthday balloons from the ceiling. Scott mastered it (and my children made sure to give him plenty of practice!)

Of course, the afternoon wouldn't be complete without a testosterone showdown...so as darkness fell there was an 'adult' big wheel race.

I hate to belabor a point, but this is my blog--and this is where I am in life. I had an emotional morning. I was so burdened for the Sweeneys who are spending their second consecutive Thanksgiving in the hospital. I am reminded that they are but one of thousands of families dealing with terminal illness in this country alone. This is to say nothing of all the other things people are wrestling with.

My thanksgiving list is long. I am in a season of plenty. I am rejoicing in "the sunshine of my soul's Sabbath" while maintaining a very tender spot for those who are more difficult lesson of thanksgiving...giving thanks in everything. The only way that is possible is through faith and trust in God.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

I think this is a healthy place to be...holding loosely to the blessings of this world...mindful that it is not our home. I am exceedingly grateful for seasons of laughter and love, but am committed to not resting in my bubble. I pray that by God's grace that joy and love will overflow into the lives of those who are weary and in a dry spell. The point of a full cup is not to selfishly keep it for myself...but for the overflow to stream into the lives of those who are thirsty.

I think it is also the role of those who have experienced God's faithfulness to testify to His character and greatness. We must encourage those around us to hold on and wait for the Lord. The timing is not always what we would impatiently hope for...but he will turn to us and hear our cry.

I waited patiently for the LORD;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:1-5 NIV