God Has Done Many Good Things, Celebrate Them! |Thymelygrace

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1)

In the next few days, there will a flurry of activities in preparation for our Thanksgiving gatherings. Whether you are a hostess or a guest; there are long lists of things to be done. Some families will travel locally, while many of us will take trips out of town for a day or a few to gather with family and friends. Wherever your plans take you, don't forget to be intentional to engage the people and not only the plans. 

I find that pausing to care for people (family, friends, neighbors ...) is a huge part of my expression of thanksgiving and gratitude,  which has become a necessity for my celebrations. It is one way I intentionally alert my mind- heart and soul to what's most important, the people who will be gathering around my table, and those who will not, but have been a vital part of my story up to Thanksgiving  Day and beyond. So, I sit and write out cards addressed to loved ones, cherished friends and folks who are on my heart. I am a firm believer that this activity adds a sweet personal touch to the upcoming celebration for me and them. Moreover, it's another way to " Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever," (Ps. 107:1). I have experienced God's goodness, steadfast and enduring love through friends and family. Pausing to recount this means of grace, God's goodness prepares all our hearts and creates anticipation for the laughter, good food, and praise that inevitably erupts at our gatherings.

Over the years this one intentional practice of card sending, has truly been a blessings not just to the recipient,  reminding them they are remembered with thanksgiving and praise and that they are counted as one of God's good gifts to me; but ,I am helped in the process to contemplate God's manifold blessings.  I sit, and as I pen each card, make room in head and heart to rehearse how each person with their gift of time, love, prayers, encouragement has made a difference in my life.

I don't know about you, but I love hosting and the very idea of hospitality in my home. I can go from menus to decor to attire and ambiance in a New York minute;  so becoming presentation focused with every detail perfect can lead me away from what's important, that is, the gathering of souls to give thanks through reflection and fellowship. I've found that intentionally instituting activities like sitting still one afternoon a week or so before Thanksgiving week, with a cup of coffee and pleasant songs of praise and worship in the backdrop gently lulls my heart to being mindful and more focused on how we'll celebrate each other's journeys, praise God for his faithful and create an atmosphere that leads others to declare that God has indeed been good. 

So, with Thanksgiving Day just about a week and 3 days away, what can you do to bring focused care to the people you'll gather with and those with whom you won't? How can you cheer up hearts, there are so many that feel displaced, alone, sad, in mourning and disconnected during the holidays. Perhaps sending a card, or purposefully stopping in for a visit, inviting folks to join in your celebrations may well remind them they are not forgotten. I wonder, how could you ensure that the folks in your life know they are a good gift to you from God this Thanksgiving?