That’s what life’s all about, ain’t it? Lookin’ after each other.”
–Stephen Bly (Beneath a Dakota Cross)
“‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!'”
–Lamentations 3:24(NKJV)
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The year is almost over so if you have things that needs doing in the year, you best be doing them or you won’t have time to be doing them. Does that make sense? In other words if there are things that must be completed before the year is out, get them done. Things like fulfilling a vow or a resolution, writing a long overdue letter or note, calling a friend, sitting down with the family. Let me harp on that for a moment. The family, the first institution ordained by God, is often the most neglected. Career, phones, school activities, church activities, and just plain old busyness can get in the way of family life. Those are supposed to enhance and encourage and help families, not be a hindrance. So think about it this Thanksgiving time. Don’t just sit with them on Thanksgiving, be a part of each other’s lives. If you can’t work your schedule around your family then perhaps you need to review your schedule.
I like to take time during the Thanksgiving week to reflect and remember. Reckon I’ll sit by the fire next week and listen for those “Echoes” of other times, seasons, and places. As the flames go upward and flicker my mind might wander to Thanksgivings of the past, or just other instances of which I need to always be thankful. We must never forget that in times of sorrow and tears that the Lord is good. In times of quandary and questions–the Lord is good. In the midst of tribulations, storms, and battles–the Lord is good. In the seasons of life and seasons of the year–the Lord is good. In times of bounty and plenty–the Lord is good.
One thing I’m thankful for is the love of my wife. One of the people I’m thankful for is that same person. I read something this week that struck me and I want to pass it along. Husbands you better heed and ponder this! “Your wife is the only person who has ever loved you for who you are. Your mom loves you because you are her son, your siblings love you because you are their brother, your children love you because you are their father. But your wife is on another level.” Something I’ll be pondering and reflecting on when I listen for the Echoes from the Campfire next week.
I mention a campfire since it has become a tradition that Annie and I along with Kimberly’s family go camping Thanksgiving week. We have been doing this for a number of years. Yes, I know that it is supposed to rain on Thanksgiving; it will not be the first time. We have been at Lake Livingston the past few years, so Annie and I have become “day-campers.”
“Over the river and through the woods, To grandmother’s house they come…” Not quite right, but it fits. Except for the camping at Thanksgiving most of the time the grandkids come to Grandma’s cottage in the woods. We’re so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to live where we do where three of the four grandkids can come out any time they are able. The seasons of life have changed and Annie and I no longer travel to Grandma’s house, we are those folk. So this Thanksgiving, listen for the Echoes; reflect on the goodness of the Lord and the seasons past.
“Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.”
–Lydia Maria Child
“‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!'”
–Lamentations 3:24(NKJV)
—————————————-
The year is almost over so if you have things that needs doing in the year, you best be doing them or you won’t have time to be doing them. Does that make sense? In other words if there are things that must be completed before the year is out, get them done. Things like fulfilling a vow or a resolution, writing a long overdue letter or note, calling a friend, sitting down with the family. Let me harp on that for a moment. The family, the first institution ordained by God, is often the most neglected. Career, phones, school activities, church activities, and just plain old busyness can get in the way of family life. Those are supposed to enhance and encourage and help families, not be a hindrance. So think about it this Thanksgiving time. Don’t just sit with them on Thanksgiving, be a part of each other’s lives. If you can’t work your schedule around your family then perhaps you need to review your schedule.
I like to take time during the Thanksgiving week to reflect and remember. Reckon I’ll sit by the fire next week and listen for those “Echoes” of other times, seasons, and places. As the flames go upward and flicker my mind might wander to Thanksgivings of the past, or just other instances of which I need to always be thankful. We must never forget that in times of sorrow and tears that the Lord is good. In times of quandary and questions–the Lord is good. In the midst of tribulations, storms, and battles–the Lord is good. In the seasons of life and seasons of the year–the Lord is good. In times of bounty and plenty–the Lord is good.
One thing I’m thankful for is the love of my wife. One of the people I’m thankful for is that same person. I read something this week that struck me and I want to pass it along. Husbands you better heed and ponder this! “Your wife is the only person who has ever loved you for who you are. Your mom loves you because you are her son, your siblings love you because you are their brother, your children love you because you are their father. But your wife is on another level.” Something I’ll be pondering and reflecting on when I listen for the Echoes from the Campfire next week.
I mention a campfire since it has become a tradition that Annie and I along with Kimberly’s family go camping Thanksgiving week. We have been doing this for a number of years. Yes, I know that it is supposed to rain on Thanksgiving; it will not be the first time. We have been at Lake Livingston the past few years, so Annie and I have become “day-campers.”
“Over the river and through the woods, To grandmother’s house they come…” Not quite right, but it fits. Except for the camping at Thanksgiving most of the time the grandkids come to Grandma’s cottage in the woods. We’re so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to live where we do where three of the four grandkids can come out any time they are able. The seasons of life have changed and Annie and I no longer travel to Grandma’s house, we are those folk. So this Thanksgiving, listen for the Echoes; reflect on the goodness of the Lord and the seasons past.
“Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.”
–Lydia Maria Child