As the calendar flips closer to Thanksgiving, I consider the last gasp of autumn — this season I enjoy with its colors and textures, the downward dance of the leaves, my walks in the crisp air. In my journal, I record the sights and sounds so that in the cold misery of winter — I will not forget what my heart is now thankful for.
A squirrel, digging in my garden to plant another black walnut. Provisions for the winter. Perseverance at work.
Tinkling wind chimes in the briefest of leftover wind.
A terracotta pot near my pet cemetery — a reminder of better times when I toured Santa Fe and of the cats that wait for me over the rainbow bridge.
Last rays of sunshine, so necessary to keep seasonal affective disorder at bay.
A feral cat, daring to come close enough for a tidbit of leftover Meow Mix. He munches while keeping one eye on me, lest I reach to pet him. He scampers away before I have a chance to get near.
My green umbrella reminds me to put it away for the winter, to preserve it for next spring’s delight.
A nail that needs hammered deeper into the board. A visual sacrament to the God/man who took the nails for me.
My cup of hot tea, apple cinnamon today. A harbinger of the Thanksgiving goodies I will soon make.
A prayer for those on my list who need to be reminded today that God is present with us in every season of life.
Sparrows who compete with chickadees for my offered seed. God’s eye is on the sparrow and I know God cares for me.
Words and more words within my journal, illustrating the joyful flow of the creative gift. In the beginning was the Word and God’s words are in me.
Do we ever finish being grateful to God? I think not. Even when I return inside to dump a load into the laundry, baste the marinating chicken again, and steer the dust mop over dirty floors — my thoughts will return to this early morning tabernacle.
My faith underscores how these hallowed moments prepared me for the day. Somehow strengthened my resolve to be more present with God. Encouraged my heart as I saw winter approaching.
On the altar of my deck, I find solace. There, in an attitude of grateful praise, I voice the reality of my faith ensconced in the creatures and plants God made before he made my species. In concert with God, I whisper, “It is good.”
So in this week before we celebrate the holiday, record your personal thanksgivings and share them here. Together, let’s cry out in spontaneous worship and celebrate that God is near.
©2024 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: EglantineShala / Pixabay
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WOW – I love this mightily!
Thanks, Evie – I appreciate your encouragement.
I do something similar every November. Last week’s blog post spoke about the beginning of my day and my thankfulness. https://suzanklassen.com/2024/11/12/old-friends/
This week’s post (I’m surprised it hasn’t posted yet. Maybe I’d better check it out.) will also speak about thankfulness, but with an entirely different story.
Yes, I saw your post. It was lovely!
worthy reminders of things that do matter