In April 2020 when most of the world was on lockdown and all things seemed uncertain because of the first global pandemic in 100 years I listened to a webinar by author Lara Casey. I can’t tell you the title or most of what she said, except one thing that stuck with me. Casey said the pandemic had given us the gift of perspective – the gift of knowing what was truly important and what wasn’t.
As we approach Thanksgiving this week, I want to offer thanks for those things that are truly important. The older that I get, the more I recognize what L.M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) said is true: “All things great are wound up with all things little.” So I thought I would share with you a bit of my perspective, of my list.
BIG things I’m grateful for:
- God, the giver of life, Good Father, redeemer, and Savior
- That I was born in the U.S.A. – we’re far from perfect, but we have many freedoms
- My parents follow Jesus, and are loving and kind
- My husband is a godly man who loves me well
- My home is warm and comfortable, my kitchen stocked, my closet full
- I have a job that suits me well and work with good people
- My church family is gracious and loving
Small things I’m grateful for:
- That Todd and I never leave the house without saying “I love you”
- Hugs or encouragement from friends – old and new
- The comfort of familiar things or places
- Curling up with a good book
- Chocolate
I encourage you to make your own list sometime soon. While I am excited for the Advent season, I don’t want to skip Thanksgiving because I believe it gives us the proper mindset as we begin to prepare our hearts for Christmas. May God Bless you as you celebrate this week.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Cindy