Thanksgiving

Attention. Attention. I have an announcement to make. For the first time ever, I am responsible for the Thanksgiving turkey. Okay, so maybe it's not earth-shattering to you, but it's a big deal to me. When a family of great cooks, like mine, combines with a family of equally talented cooks, like Michael's, the culinary-challenged in the group, like me, are rarely given such a responsibility. I don't even pretend to have been the first choice, but I will rise to the challenge.
When I shared the news with my friend Lisa Young, whose hospitality is outshined only by her always abundant display of artfully and deliciously prepared food, she said, "Well, you know you have to brine the turkey." I did not know. But now I do, so I will begin to research what that means. But first, please allow me a chance to express the things for which I am thankful. It won't take long. I promise. I'm only thankful for three things.
First of all, I’m thankful for the past. My sister, Kay, and I have a pact. We will not become people who long to relive those days gone by. Although the past holds many wonderful memories, there are also times tucked between the good which were bad. To be honest, some were awful days we never wish to repeat. Kay and I agree to be thankful for the blessings of the good days, appreciate the growth resulting from the bad ones, and forever be grateful for God’s ability to weave them all together for our good.
Next, I’m thankful for the present: the gift of today. I only have this moment, so I’m going to squeeze all of the life I can out of every minute. I want to live in such a way that the people in my life have no reason to doubt my love. Before most of them even open their eyes in the morning, I have already brought their names before God in prayer. In addition, today I am going to work diligently to complete the projects I have begun so I can start new ones. This gives me little time to weep over the past, or worry about the future.
And speaking of the future brings me to my third area of thankfulness. I am so grateful for the days to come. They are all in God’s hands, and I trust Him. I commit the unknown future to the well-known God, Who said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As the days are revealed, He will provide the wisdom and grace to live each one to the fullest. I am sure of it.
Happy Thanksgiving.