November 27, 2020 - Give Thanks

 

1 Chronicles 16:34 ~ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his love endures forever.

Friday, the day after Thanksgiving 2020.  What a weird year!  I never thought I would not be with friends and family on Thanksgiving.  That we would have to be distant when this day has always been a time to come together and give thanks as a family, as a group.  But, here we are zooming get-togethers and having pie over Facetime. 

I have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend and moving into Advent.  I am most Thankful for my family, friends, and the wonderful friends I have made at First Presbyterian Church.  They have always encouraged me to follow my heart and dreams no matter where they lead me.  I am also thankful to know that the words spoken in 1 Chronicles 16:34 are true, the Lord is good, his love does endure forever.  We do not have to do anything special to earn that love.

If you have not heard it yet today, you are loved, you are special, and I am thankful that you are here.  Be safe and be well.  I think that the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson sum up everything I am thankful this Thanksgiving weekend.

Father We Thank Thee
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For flowers that bloom about our feet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,
Father, we thank Thee.
For pleasant shade of branches high,
Father, we thank Thee.
For fragrant air and cooling breeze,
For beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,
Father, we thank Thee.
For rest and shelter of the night,
Father, we thank Thee
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.