Thanksgiving Post

It’s been a long time – but I want to give this a go once again, not because I suppose that anyone will ever read what I write, but because I have felt the need to spend some time journaling recent thoughts that God has been bringing to me. I would also just like to record some events in the life of our family for future reference and I would like to practice my writing to improve my skills.

There is a potential for much to change over the next year and I would like to have a record of the journey for future reference. Why go public with this? Well, again, not because I think multitudes will want to read what I write. But, perhaps there are some who would like to comment with their insights. However, the prime motivation is to provide some measure of accountability for me to process these thoughts. We will see how this goes.

Thanksgiving Day was a very slow paced and relaxing day around the house. We started the morning with mom sleeping in (a rare blessing for her) while I put on the Thanksgiving Day Parade for this kids. This was a rare “treat” for them as the TV hasn’t been on for days around here. I put it on because I remember it always being on in the background at my Aunt’s house when the turkey dinner was being prepared. I figured I’d turn it on so that I could explain to my kids what so-and-so the pop star performing her latest single has to do with Thanksgiving – which is to say nothing. (One advantage of this parade, as I remarked to Amy, is that since it is in New York in November, all of the pop stars are well clothed, so my controlled exposure exercise has one negative variable removed). It was interesting to watch their reaction as they were lounging around with books while the parade was on in the background. The tuned out whenever one of these pop stars come on to croon or when a big bunch of dancers took the stage, but when there were children performing and when the big balloons floated by, they became mildly interested. All in all, I think they would give it a 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, though I don’t think they understood the overall concept. I’m not sure I do either.

We put on a “fake fire” (my term for those store bought fire logs) after lunch to provide a little ambiance. Outside, it was in the high 60’s and low 70’s so the “fire” wasn’t really necessary, but it was enjoyable. I called them together to talk about why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what God says about giving thanks. We read Psalm 100 and discussed our attitudes as we come together at our church to worship together on Sundays.

So much to be thankful for. This year I am just brimming over with a sense of God’s blessing, so undeserved! As I am typing this, my oldest four are sitting stair step fashion on the couch each reading a book or being read to while the baby is exploring all over the floor and eating whatever he can get his hands on. What a blessing and reward to have been entrusted with the care of these five precious souls. Humanly, it is more than I could ever handle, but I know that God has given me exactly what He wants me to have. On top of these blessings, God has given me a wife who fears the Lord and whose worth is far above rubies. She and I walk hand in hand on all of the important issues and that is a tremendous blessing. We have always agreed on the core issues in politics, money, children, parenting philosophy, etc. We have our discussions on the finer points of application and faithfulness and purpose and these are welcome and enjoyable, but we are so equally yoked that it is a tremendous blessing beyond description.

Since our extended families were all traveling out of the area this year for Thanksgiving, dinner was at our friends’ house from Church. It was a small gathering, but very pleasant. I am very thankful for their hospitality in having us over.

As we drove home last night, my heart was overflowing with gratitude for the undeserved blessings of God in my life.

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

- Psalm 116:12-13

Before dinner, Dad and #3 play a good old fashined game of Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots

Look at the concentration!

The Humble Muse gets schooled in a game of billiards

The ubiquitous kids' table

Ahh! That's a full tummy and a happy girl!