giving thanks

It is that time of the year when people start baking pumpkin pies, drinking pumpkin spice lattes or buying a turkey or ham and preparing for a festive feast with relatives and friends; but this year we may not be able to celebrate in the way we did before. That doesn’t mean that we still can’t be grateful, celebrate and praise - we just do it in a different way and that’s okay.

Isaiah 61:3a tells us that He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.

When the world feels like things are falling apart, look at the fallen leaves. Even though plants die and the trees are bare, there is always hope for the spring. We will make it through our long winter days and winters of our souls because we know that change is inevitable. COVID or not. When we feel alone, down and need that boost of joy in the morning; rise with the sun and watch the glorious display of a painted sky with clouds and the sun breaking across the dawn. When we have set backs and disappointments, we know that troubles don’t need to define our days. We can be filled with simple joys like a child’s laugh, a walk in the woods, a smile or a smize with our masks. We can praise God for the abundant blessings - safety, a home, sunshine, food, friends and family and love above all to give or receive.

My sister gave our family the idea to buy a pumpkin, a Sharpie marker and start to write down things that we are thankful for. When the blessings are formed into words on the outside of the pumpkin, you will be amazed at how easily you can think of them. And what a lovely decoration to adorn your home as a reminder of festive praise and joyous blessings!

And so this Thanksgiving, whether we are celebrating alone or with many, find beauty from the ashes, joy instead of tears and praise to replace despair.

Happy Thanksgiving!