Thankfulness

When ranking holidays Thanksgiving rates right at the top for me. One of the reasons I like it is because, for me, it isn't about anything material or any one event. I don't associate it with football, turkey (I have a preference to ham), or the parade. And honestly, my pumpkin obsession starts in September and goes through December, not really centered on the holiday.

I like that we take time to celebrate our blessings. God has blessed my life in so many ways and I know I do not reflect on it enough.

For today, in this moment I am thankful for (in no particular order, of course)...

friendships that are growing and deepening.

a home where I can rest, create, and be hospitable.

a job where I am appreciated, provided for, and valued.

a God who is patient with me and wants me as I am.

a husband who hears me out, loves me, and even likes spending time with me.

There aren't may thanksgiving songs out there, but music is a huge emotional and spiritual connection for me so I tend to look for music when I am reflecting. So here are a few verses of a Thanksgiving Hymn to reflect on.

For The Beauty of The Earth, by Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on Earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thy church that evermore,
Lifteth holy hands above;
Off'ring up on ev'ry shore,
Her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thyself, best Gift Divine,
To the world so freely given,
For that great, great love of Thine,
Peace on earth and joy in heaven.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.