Every year at Thanksgiving, we are able to slow down and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. And we need to remember that whatever the journey we are on, there are indeed many blessings. Last night at church, Pastor Ian opened his sermon by telling us about a comedian he had recently seen on Conan O'Brien. This comedian began his routine by stating that, "Everything is amazing but nobody is happy." It really is a profound statement when you think about it. In today's world the spirit of entitlement is all around us and makes us look foolish and is an unhealthy way to live life. Our first world problems are really not problems at all. It is important to reflect on the good in our life, despite sometimes difficult circumstances and live happier, more joy-filled lives that show a depth of gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will in Christ Jesus." At times, our path is marked with difficulties along the way, but it is these difficulties that grow us and shape us into the person we are today.
"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy - because we will always want to have something else or something more." ~David Steindl-Rast
Pastor Ian shared about how he has a number of stones in his office. These are his stones of remembrance from places he has visited that have a marked importance in his life. On each of the stones he has written a Bible verse that he builds his life on. What a great visual reminder to have. What are the stones of remembrance for you? What are your stones of gratitude? What stories of grace to you have in your life that have helped you to build your life into what it is today? We all have stories that make up the life that we live. It is important to remember that in those stories, God is with us, even if we have strayed or feel far from his love and grace. God wants to walk us through whatever chapter in our life we are writing presently. He wants us to reflect back, with love, grace, and gratitude, on the times we have seen his hand working in our life. He wants us to believe in the promise that he will never leave us or forsake us and that he will always be walking alongside us.
This weekend, the kids and I visited Micah Epp in the hospital. Micah is the youngest child of our friends, Brent and Susie. On Thursday night, Micah was cycling and as he hit a jump, at quite a fast speed, he crashed. His body took a hard hit and he was admitted to the hospital with a ruptured spleen, internal bleeding, and a very sore shoulder. Hearing the story of Micah's accident and how his older brother Noah was there to pick Micah up, carry him to safety, call Susie to break the news of the accident, and pray over Micah, is a testament to courage and of how God walks beside us. Micah is doing better each day but it is moments like this that put life in perspective and help you realize how life is to be cherished and celebrated as we reflect with gratitude on the blessings of life.
We were so grateful that my cousin Racquel could come and have Thanksgiving supper with us. The more the merrier.
The name cards are courtesy of our budding artist, Kirra. Let it be noted that she also set the table. Rather than the pumpkin pie we were having, the kids chose their own dessert. The hershey kiss on their plate is to remind them that they are my chocolate blessing. A story was shared with me by my colleague Judy, of a family who when there kids were young, didn't care much for hiking. So to help encourage them along on the hiking trails, they would take turns going ahead on the path and leave chocolates along the way to help coax the children. In the story we are reminded to take time to see the chocolate blessings along the path and to appreciate them. If we are rushing through the trail, we may not even stop to see these blessings or if our heart is hardened and our attitude is not what it should be, we may not appreciate these chocolate blessings. Life does takes twists and turns but despite it all, I want to remind my children that they are counted among my chocolate blessings each and every day. They encourage me and they inspire me and I am so blessed by them.
The prayer before supper tonight was one that Kirra had learned at school. She had a colouring sheet with the prayer on, she coloured it, cut it apart, and assigned each of us a sentence to read so that we were all part of the prayer. I am so blessed by her love of the Lord and how her heart's desire is to follow him.
Life is amazing! Hope you were able to take time this weekend to appreciate how amazing life is and to count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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