A Day or More of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is this week, which reminds us all to take stock of our many blessings.

In this year of 2020, there is much to be thankful for, yet with social distancing, masks and hand sanitizer, some of us have complained a bit much this year. It’s time to take stock of some simple pleasures, and recognize the pandemic cannot take away what really matters.

The good Lord above has provided plenty of blessings for most of us, even during this season of Covid. I am thankful for Jesus Christ, who promises abundant life both now and in heaven, if we only believe. What a gift!

And 2020 certainly hasn’t been all bad for my family. Precious little Melody Kate came into the family this year, and I am so very thankful for my first biological grandchild. My heart is so full of love for this little darling…people tell you how wonderful it is, but until you experience it, the feeling is unimaginable.

And, I’m also thankful for biological grandchild number two, who will be born to Emily and C.J. in April, assuming all goes according to plan. The baby could be a birthday present for me, but I won’t wish that on Emily, as she is due April 20, and my birthday is not until the 26th.

But, we’re all excited!

And, a thankful list wouldn’t be complete without thinking of my four step-grandchildren who I have been blessed with by marrying Jimmy. I’ve watched them grow up, with the youngest turning 16 just last Thursday. Children are fun.

Which leads me to their parents and my children and their spouses. I could spend this whole column just writing about how thankful I am for the gift of family. Whether immediate or extended, the gift of family is irreplaceable.

My three sisters and I miss our parents, but we try to stay in touch. Likewise with aunts, uncles, and other extended family members. I’m glad to have them, and look forward to the time I can actually visit with them again.

(I’m so glad my children got their weddings in before this pandemic. We got to see lots of family at those.)

But, we have more to be thankful for. It certainly seems there is not enough money to go around, but we have a roof over our heads, food in the pantry, and a vehicle to drive. No one around my house goes hungry, for sure.

I’m grateful for the local food bank so I can feel confident that no one in this county goes hungry. The food bank is all volunteer, and does a great job.

However, if I’m going to venture out, I could name lots of organizations that do a great job serving the needy in one way or another. We should all strive to serve one another…love our neighbors as ourselves, and there are a lot of examples of that in our wonderful community.

I am so thankful to live here, in a community where we all care about each other. We may disagree on some things, but we are really one big family most of the time.

I could write more, but my space is up. Thank you, Lord, for everything! Really, everything!

For more than one reason, our Thanksgiving gathering will be small this year…but it will include my youngest who has been in Colorado the last six years. I thank God for those who gather as well as those who are not present.