November 18, 2008 ~ Preparing My Heart (and home) for Thanksgiving
The countdown has begun. Just a week and a half to Thanksgiving and there’s plenty to do. We’re hosting it at our house this year, as we have for the past couple of years, and it is quite literally our pleasure to do it. Particularly since autumn is my favorite season of the year, Thanksgiving is also the holiday for which I have come to especially love. Out come the garlands of autumnal berries, the plump round pumpkins and gourds, the browns and golds of wheat, and the warmth in the fiery colors of autumn leaves. It is my delight to celebrate the season with the flavors, colors and design of fall.
This year, more than any other, I feel grateful. I don’t have to think for more than a few moments to assemble a list of more blessings than my fingers and toes can count. Still, I always find this time, just before Thanksgiving, to be a time for introspection and meditation, looking back over the year and rediscovering all the ways that God has been good to me. This exercise is what prepares my heart for Thanksgiving – not just the day, but the attitude of true thanks-giving.
Yes, there’s a lot to do - planning, shopping, cleaning, cooking - well, you know all the things we do to busy ourselves before the family arrives with all their own delicious offerings of casseroles and pies, carbs and sugars galore! We work, create, and prepare the beauty of the house, buffet, and table for the special event. It’s an effort – but one offered with the greatest love for the people dearest to our hearts.
But, the preparation for the day will be different for me this year. While I will be preparing my home for Thanksgiving, I am asking that the Lord prepare my heart for Thanksgiving so that it is more meaningful than ever before. There isn’t a single doubt that it already is, because of all the ways in which He has revealed His love for me during this perilous time, but if there is a way – if there is a single detail that I have overlooked – to give Him a greater sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving this year – well, I want to do it.
It’s my greatest heart’s desire.
god loves you
me too Thanksgiving
xxoo
Lori…. Gratitude is a marvelous gift. You continue to give a gift to all of us who read your blog with your grateful heart. The Little “things” — The Little “moments” –They aren’t “little”. I’m inspired by your kind heart, sweet words and the moments you share that really aren’t “little”. I have never met you; but I have fallen in love with you!! Happy Thanksgiving season….