1 Corinthians 16:17, 18  “I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.” (NLT)

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A text message from a dear friend dinged just as I was reading these verses. The beauty of wholesome friendship has shaped our faith forever. May it ever be so!

A coworker sent her greetings this morning as she and her galloping herd are preparing for the Turkey Trot. 

Downstairs, my bride is busily preparing her portion of today’s feast. She and some of our out-of-town family members are chatting away about things consequential and not. 

The dogs have breakfasted and are ready to have the house to themselves when we depart later for our gathering place. They are still recovering from their time away at the boarders while we were out of town. Extra naps are necessary.

Our granddaughters are preparing for a full day of extra attention. Our grandson is preparing to stop answering questions about his future. 

I’m ready for turkey, sweet potatoes, and apple pie. And a nap. What would an overload of carbs accomplish if naps were eliminated? Tryptophan demands a good snooze in a quiet place. Living close to our local daughter’s home makes it possible for me to run an errand to our quiet house to join the company of our pups in their pursuit of the perfect siesta. 

How will you enjoy this day?

A six-year-old asked me earlier this week what my favorite holiday is. I responded, “Thanksgiving.” This is because it is more than a holiday, bigger than a season, and deeper than a thought can contain. Thanksgiving is a habit to cultivate. It is a mindset to live from. It is a condition to carry everywhere. It reminds us of the true value of life. It provides a foundation for our conversations with God.

For years, I have signed off on notes, emails, letters, and blogs with the words, With Gratitude. I am grateful for friends, acquaintances, leaders here and there, friends near and far. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to know and serve wonderful people. I am grateful for those whom God is shaping for significance. I am grateful for his never-ending work on me and you to conform us to the image of his Son, our Savior.

I am grateful to God for you. Thank you for enriching my life. Thank you for how you invest yourself in others. Thank you for what you make possible through your friendship, love, and generosity. 

Thank you for knowing the way, going the way, and leading the way of Thanksgiving. 

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I will give thanks to God for who he is and for what he does.

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Our Father, among your best gifts are the family members and dear friends you bring into our lives. Your rich generosity in this regard provides us with endless opportunities to give thanks. Make us Thanksgiving people, shaped to live in such a way that everyone who gets to know us experiences an overflow of deepest gratitude for the kindness you express through us. Amen.