Counting My Blessings #Giving Thanks#Thankgiving#Reflections

A Time to Reflect

 Several years ago a dear friend gave me a kneeling Beanie Baby bear, paws clasped in prayer. A few Christmases ago my niece gave me a soft angel doll, holding a bag marked "Blessings." Both are in my living room. They remind me of how blessed I am. And how thankful.

The old hymn, "Count Your Blessings" is another reminder.

When upon life billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost.
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 

I love fall. School routines, old-fashioned cake donuts, apple juice, hot soup, and leaves. This year's display surpassed any season I remember with spectacular crimson, scarlet, lemon yellow, pumpkin orange and harvest-moon gold leaves. I have 7 more 32-gallon containers raked and collected for pickup tomorrow, bringing my total to between 15-20.
I am thankful that at 84 years of age I can still do this. My mother set a precedent. She lived to be almost 96 and each fall, still raked leaves into piles for me to pick up!

Thinking of this gargantuan task inspired (?) this poem.

 “Ode to Autumn"
     Sing to tune of "Danny Boy"
                                                                                   
 "Oh, my dear friends, the leaves, the leaves are calling,

  From my back yard and some in front and side,

  They shift and rustle every time the wind blows,

  To lure me into joining them outside.
     

But all too soon the wonder of their color
Will only be a pleasant memory,

Of many cans that hauled away their beauty

And left my lawn so barren and leaf-free."

Some things I am thankful for:

 

Books and the gift of laughter. Raised in a home without running water or electricity, our family relied on laughter to get us through hard times. And books. Seldom did a birthday or Christmas come without at least one of us receiving a book. I still have and read my Louisa Mae Alcott titles, the Five Little Peppers, my Cherry Ames, Penny Marsh, Sue Barton nurse stories, and many more. Once I enjoyed them by kerosene lamplight near a wood heater. Now I visit my book friends from the comfort of a recliner, warmed by electric baseboard heat. 

Health and strength. I cannot do everything I once did, but am grateful for the many things I can do. Example: I still mow my lawn (with a 14" cordless electric mower) but don't climb ladders to change light bulbs that I can't reach from the floor!

My home. I have lived in my modest, ranch-style house for 41 years. I have no costly possessions. My house is furnished with love. Wall plaques, angel statues, sun catchers, throws, and many other gifts from family and friends make my home warm, cozy, and peaceful.

My cul-de-sac neighbors. They are there when I need them. I am thankful for the 60+ trick-or-treaters a few weeks ago. Halloween gives me another chance to visit with kids and parents. I am also thankful for the seven-year-old, red-haired boy who brought me a two-bite cupcake the next day. And for one of my most-cherished compliments. I once thanked a group of teens for coming. As they left, I heard one boy mutter, "She's nice!" What a rich reward for a candy bar and a smile. 

My family and friends, those present and the many who have gone on ahead and wait for me to come when my work here on earth is done.

The privilege of bringing joy into others' lives. Sometimes a smile. Sometimes a helping hand. Sometimes an email, or encouraging word. Quite often, simply a listening ear.

Most of all, I am glad for God, my Heavenly Father, and Jesus, my Best Friend. I was recently asked if I ever got lonely. I replied, "Not often. When I do, I always have Someone to whom I can turn." 

A Thanksgiving Prayer for You

 

 "Dear Lord, please be with all who read this post. I pray that You will comfort and strengthen those who are in the midst of turmoil. Wrap them in Your great love and give them peace. Thank You in Jesus' name, Amen."