Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2
It’s the Thanksgiving weekend. We were out Saturday morning for the last of the grocery shopping. Went to the market close to our home and bought some locally grown giant potatoes for mashed potatoes with gravy. Fourteen family members and friends will sit down for a meal together on Sunday. We are hoping that the weather will be warm enough to eat outside.
When I was leading singing in church, one of my go-to songs for Thanksgiving Sunday opened with words from Psalm 100:4: “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise; I will say, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made,’ I will rejoice for He has made me glad. He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice for He has made me glad. He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice for He has made me glad.” ( Psalms 100:4, 2 Chronicles 30:16, Psalms 92:4, Psalms 118:24)
Paul’s words in his letter to the Philippians often come to mind when I’m thankful. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-8)
I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of the ongoing conversation with our kids and grandchildren. Our daughter is writing curriculum for her church and it’s been fun listening to her stories of how it’s working when she teaches it. One of our sons is on a new adventure as a leader in his department at the college where he teaches. He described his experience, “The new gig is fun.” Our youngest is also adventuring into new ways of using his skills. It’s fascinating to hear what’s presenting itself and developing for him.
Our youngest granddaughter was telling us she got her script for musical theatre. The eldest granddaughter is reading about her faith and I was able to pass on a book of interest. For these and many more I am thankful.
The turkey is carved, the table and chairs are set up. The yams have been baked. Our meal and time together as family and friends is coming together. We are thankful to be together for a good meal and time to enjoy each other. As we eat and chat together it will also be a reminder that our life is in the good care of our Lord Jesus.