Abundance

Friends, since we are soon ready to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I think it is appropriate to share a few thoughts about living the Abundant life. When I sit and reflect upon my abundant blessings, I am deeply humbled and grateful to our Creator who gives us His good and perfect gifts from above.

I give thanks for living in this expansive and beautiful land that is rich in resources and where I do not go to bed hungry at night.  There is an ABUNDANCE of healthy food and pure water to drink and safe shelter for me and my family.

I give thanks for my loving husband who walks through the door every night after a weary day of work and continually provides for his family whom he dearly loves.  There is an ABUNDANCE of sacrifice and love from my husband who sticks by me "for better or for worse, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health."

I give thanks for my four sons who have compassionate hearts and hands that care for our own family's needs as well as reaching out to the community and offering help and joy where needed.  There is an ABUNDANCE of their support, sacrifice, love, and care as our family walks through all seasons---easy, hard, and the in between.

I give thanks for our extended family members who enrich our lives with their continual love, support, care, and understanding.  There is an ABUNDANCE of their stability as they have helped us raise our own family.

I give thanks for the access to good medical care that is helping me traverse the hard and winding road of serious health challenges. There is an ABUNDANCE of wonderful individuals who lovingly care for me in critical ways by providing their expertise in helping not only me but also my husband so that we can, in turn, offer hope and encouragement to others. 

I give thanks to my DEAR friends who surround me continually with love, support, joy, and encouragement along this path of life.  There is an ABUNDANCE of compassion and authentic love for which I am humbled. 

I give thanks for this beautiful community in which I live that has been a wonderful, safe place to raise our family.  There is an ABUNDANCE of good people and opportunities that continually enrich our lives day to day. 

I give thanks for the ability and opportunity to stretch my hands and offer my heart across the table as well as across boundaries of culture, race, creed, gender, and political agendas because we are ALL sisters and brothers in Christ.  There is an ABUNDANCE of goodness that we can share with one another if we so choose. 

I hope this Thanksgiving we all will find in our hearts a reason to give abundant thanks even in our brokenness because there is always, always something to be thankful for!

Wishing all of you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!