What a lovely way to begin the weekend! After a full morning puttering in the garden, I welcomed the afternoon autumn rain with a warm cup of tea. There is something so comforting about settling in as the rain falls, the garden takes a refreshing drink, and the world seems to slow down for a moment.
With the holidays suddenly feeling just around the corner, I decided to pull out some of my favorite cookbooks. Yes, actual cookbooks—not videos, although those certainly have their place, too! I thought it would be fun to revisit some beloved recipes and perhaps discover a few new ones for the season. As I thumbed through my stack, I smiled at the little food stains on certain pages and the handwritten notes tucked beside favorite recipes. Each seemed to hold a memory of a meal, a gathering, or a special moment shared. Before long, I was jotting down ideas for what to prepare this year.
I poured a little more tea into my cup, settled back, and found myself reflecting on the many wonderful meals shared with family and friends—not just during the holidays, but throughout the years. There is such joy in an overflowing table, surrounded by those we love, sharing laughter, a few tears, stories, and the many blessings God has placed in our lives.
My thoughts wandered to what more God has planned for us this year and in the years ahead. I began to imagine the blessings yet to come and quietly found myself thanking Him for all things, both big and small, that had touched my life in recent days.
I thought about waking to a cool morning breeze after an evening rain, the fresh fragrance of the garden, and the simple gift of another beautiful day. I opened my journal, and the pages quickly filled with words of Thanksgiving and praise for God's endless love, goodness, and mighty wonders.
I then turned to my Bible and revisited some of my favorite passages of praise and thanksgiving. It reminded me once again how much we have to be grateful for, even in the ordinary moments of our days.
Many years ago, I began a daily correspondence with a dear friend, sharing the things for which we were thankful and encouraging one another to recognize God's blessings. What began as a simple exchange of gratitude has continued for more than twenty years! There have certainly been times when busy schedules and full days made it challenging to keep up our daily sharing. Yet I often found that at the end of the day, when everything was turned off, my favorite cup of tea was in hand, and the house was quiet, this little practice was exactly what my heart needed.
Taking a moment to reflect on the day's blessings—even those found among its challenges, unanswered questions, and unexpected turns—helped me see God's presence in ways I might otherwise have overlooked.
As we enter this holiday season, may I encourage each of us to open our hearts a little wider to God and His Word. Take some quiet time to reflect upon the many things we have to be thankful for in our everyday lives. Look beyond the grand celebrations and recognize the beautiful gifts tucked into the simplest moments.
And as we give thanks, let us pay that gratitude forward. Share the love of God with family, friends, neighbors, and even those whose paths we happen to cross. A warm smile, a kind hello, a thoughtful gesture, or a simple word of thanks can brighten someone's day and bring warmth to the soul.
May our tables be filled with good food, our homes with laughter, and our hearts with gratitude. Most of all, may we never lose sight of the countless blessings God shares with us each and every day.
Give yourself permission to slow down and simply be. Notice God’s beauty in the people around you, in creation, and in the quiet moments that often pass unnoticed. Every breath is a gift. Every day is filled with his Goodness.
Let Gratitude become the song of your heart. Take a moment to thank God for his faithfulness.
“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1 NIV
Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving season!
