On this Thanksgiving Eve, eager anticipation of food, fellowship and fun fill the minds of young and old alike. Intoxicating aromas float gayly from kitchens, bloated with activity; escorting memories of Thanksgivings past before us. All of this and so much more envelops us in the beauty of Thanksgiving like a thick homemade quilt.
Perhaps the passing of time whispers more pauses into my days; or maybe time walks a little slower these days. Unlike many Thanksgivings past, I pause; gazing, inhaling, holding the moments.
Pumpkin spices drift through the house and with them, memories. Those days when children dressed as pilgrims and Indians, pies lined the kitchen counter and the beautifully set table sparkled with china and laughter.
the beauty of lingering
The taste of sweet memories fills me with both joy and a tinge of sorrow. For those days held rushed moments, hurried preparations and at times an overwhelming feeling of something missing.
After many years, the “missing piece” sat within reach all the time. My focus on the preparations, left me little time for lingering with gratitude. Truly immersing myself in the moments, lingering, embracing, delighting. Remembering God with me through the previous seasons.
Thanksgiving through the seasons
Thanksgiving Day culminates the beauty of God through the seasons with me. This year boldly finds me watching, seeking and resting in His goodness. Savoring each seasonal change with Him.
Yes, my soul find rest in God, for my Hope comes from Him.
Psalm 62:5
thankful for the hands that held me
Hands; to me, they hold such beauty. My husband’s hands provide for our family, wipe my tears away, soothe my arthritic joints and tenderly serve me in countless ways.
Tiny granddaughter hands touch my mouth, eyes, nose, with giggles. Place happy face stickers on my arms and cheeks, and wave “Bye Gigi!”
Medical professionals’ hands heal, strangers hands help, and a friend’s hands hold mine in gratitude.
His hands, most precious of all, broke the bread, held the cup and bore the nails.
To live with Gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch Heaven.
Thomas S Monson
Words of thanksgiving
Spending time in in the Presence of God humbles me; for His merciful goodness and lovingkindness overwhelms my undeserving soul. Paltry, empty, feeble; my words of gratitude rebuke me. Yet, He invites me; speak the words of my heart, for He treasures each one empowering my soul with Joy.
The Beauty of Thanksgiving
May the beauty of Thanksgiving fill your soul with wonderment for our Great, Merciful and Loving God. May the magnificence of His holy Presence be ever more real to you in the moments you choose rejoicing in Him.
May you truly savor His good and bountiful gifts surrounding you this season of gratitude, overflowing with His lovingkindness. May the depth of your gratitude find a voice in joyful, unending praise for the Lover of Your Soul.
If you enjoyed reading this post, there’s more! Sign up for my weekly newsletters; a little slice of serenity delivered right to your inbox! As my “Thank-you” you will receive my FREE “Serenity in Gratitude Quiet Time Guide” for signing up!
Lovely post Donna 🤗
Thank you so much Jennifer! Grateful for you dear friend!
I love hands too, Donna. And what a blessing that we can be God’s hands to others. Thank you for this peek into your grateful heart, my friend.
Thank you Lois for stopping by! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be God’s hands to others! I am so thankful for YOU!
Donna, I find this to be so true, “Spending time in the Presence of God humbles me.” It is His love and kindness each day which draws us close to His heart.
Truly the goodness of God woos us to know His heart more deeply. It is terribly humbling to consider this is the desire of our Great God!
Donna, I so enjoyed this post. May we pause and sit in the stillness as we remember the faithfulness, grace and mercies of our Lord this past year. Like you, I want to “savor each seasonal change with Him.” May you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Joanne, I rejoice that you found this post enjoyable! Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!!