A Thankful Heart....

“…let us be thankful, 
and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Hebrews 12:28

It was that time of year again, early November. The weather had changed, the days were shorter, the chimneys were smoking. And the mail box was full of ads...

It was almost Christmas!

There was such a sense of anticipation and excitement that year. Everyone was so excited for Christmas! The neighbors down the street already had their Christmas lights up. The stores all had the holiday decorations on the shelves. Almost everyone I spoke to was preparing to or had already begun playing Christmas music. As a church choir, we had been preparing for Christmas since September.

I love Christmas...the lights, the aromas, the giving. But, I'm afraid that in all of the excitement and preparation we forget a very important day...

Thanksgiving

The world tells us that Thanksgiving is a day for feasts and football.  A day for the family to gather and enjoy each other’s company....or get on each other’s nerves. It is a long weekend to spend shopping for Christmas; or a couple of days to work for double time and a half. But the day was meant to be set apart to remember our blessings and be thankful.

I have so much to be thankful for. God has given me...

• A wonderful husband who loves me and our children and works hard to provide for us.
• Five amazing children who love God with all their hearts, and bring such joy, laughter, love and encouragement to me each and every day.
• Two beautiful daughters-in-law who love our boys and complete them, coming along side them to encourage and support.
• Our first grandchild.
• God has blessed us with a home when we had none; food, when the cupboards were bare; finances when we were in need.
• Friends and family who listen and support us.
• Health, strength, love, mercy, grace, joy, peace, restoration.
• And so much more!

I do love Christmas...and I feel the same excitement and anticipation that I sense in so many others each year. But before we get caught up in the Christmas season and its celebrations, remember to take a day, or two, or three and have...a Thankful Heart.