Thanks

This wasn't the best Thanksgiving holiday I've ever had. But it certainly wasn't the worst. I spent it alone, only the second time I've ever done so--but I'm not looking for sympathy. It was the most practical choice, since I've been fighting off a head-and-chest-cold for some time and it finally wore down my defenses. I was in no condition to be around people today, and wouldn't have wanted to pass my condition on. So I was all-set for a day on the couch watching DVD episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise and eating more of the wonderful Zuppa Toscana I made earlier in the week.

But first thing this morning a wonderful friend called to see if I had made plans for the day. I actually did have plans, but cancelled them due to my unscheduled under-the-weatherness. No problem, says my friend. We'll bring you a plate of food this afternoon. I protested politely, but at their insistence accepted graciously. Then I took a nap. A couple of hours later, the phone rang to announce the soon delivery of my Thanksgiving plate. Only what they brought me was not a plate. Rather, it was an aluminum baking pan filled with at least three meals worth of food--turkey, scalloped potatoes, sour creamed-corn (I mean they made it with sour cream), candied sweet potatoes just the way I like 'em (with pecans instead of marshmallows), corn bread dressing, plus fruit salad, pecan pie, and pumpkin bread. And ham. Now how could they possibly know I was really wanting some ham for Thanksgiving?

This evening, another friend called to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving, just because they were thinking about me. These aren't people I see or talk to on a regular basis. But this is not the first time they've called just to say "Hey, you were on our mind."

I also got about half-a-dozen random text messages from different people wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving.

And in spite of feeling poorly, I had a wonderful day. And before it's over (even though I know it's passed midnight--the day isn't over until I go to bed) I wanted to list a few things for which I am extremely thankful.

I'm thankful for my Mother, who is still living and loves me very much.

I'm thankful for my Dad, who has gone on to Heaven, but who loved me very much.

I'm thankful for my friends, near and far, old and new, the ones who have become so precious to me through the years and continue to demonstrate the many reasons I love having them around.

I'm thankful for the two special people that God brought through my life in the last few months, who have taught me many wonderful lessons about life, and about myself, and left me with many wonderful memories.

I'm thankful for house and home, a warm bed, plenty to eat, clothes to wear, and a car to drive. I may not have the fanciest or most expensive, but my needs have always been met.

I'm thankful for my church and the ministry to which I have been called, for a congregation that is small but mighty in God.

I'm thankful for Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose again from the dead, who is now sitting at the right hand of God pleading my cause, who is always on my side.

I'm thankful for salvation, for the forgiveness of sins, for the healing of my body, for the promises He has made to me. This won't mean anything to anybody but me (and perhaps the ones who remember what I told them), but the Lord has given me something to look forward to "this year", this thirteenth year, which is six months gone already. I'm looking forward to the next six months and what God is going to do in them.

I just thought I'd tell you, I'm thankful. That's all.