Thursday, November 28, 2013

Dearest God,

Every year when Thanksgiving rolls around one more time, you give us opportunity to reflect upon your blessing in our lives.  You give us cause to pause, consider, and give thanks for your steadfast love, mercy, compassion, and hope.

Today at noontime we stood in my middle daughter's kitchen, circled around, and held each other's hands, all fourteen of us.  I prayed the prayer and then Jenni asked us to continue our tradition of going around the circle and sharing aloud the many gifts for which we are thankful.  Although the top answers were family, health, friends, and faith, I was mindful of many more.  All of us had either been diagnosed with cancer or had loved ones who had.  All had gone through very difficult times and many had experienced estrangements.  All had faced crises that impacted the whole family.  Yet, we could celebrate your response to our pain and suffering along the way.  I realized how you had helped us climb out of holes of fear and hopelessness, your mercy had built up faith, and your grace had given us numerous chances to rebuild our lives, our faith, and our relationships.

Thank you for the privilege of recounting your blessings.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You watch
over us
and although
life is
not perfect,
you are
with us
speaking hope
to us.
Keep us close,
I pray.
Remind us
to be grateful
every day.

Love, Andrea