Thanksgiving

This year we actually had two Thanksgiving celebrations. The meals were both hosted by others, but I contributed food, bringing mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, apple pie and drinks. I forgot to take pictures at both events, but I can assure you we had a great time.

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. There are no gifts involved- it is simply a day to gather together to enjoy the blessings God has given us and be thankful for them. How sweet is it that Americans have an entire day set aside simply to fellowship, eat some great food, and praise God. And, if you are stateside, you even get a day and sometimes two off of work to take part.

Living in Scotland, I don't get any time off for Thanksgiving, but we have always managed to fit it in somewhere. Usually Ross and I celebrate with our friends, who are or are married to American ex-pats. Each American involved brings something to contribute and the meal always ends up being a beautiful mixture of family traditions with a little bit of Scottishness thrown in. I know that some people find these kinds of holidays and festive meals a huge amount of work with little reward, but I love it. There is nothing sweeter to me than a group of friends and family gathered around, enjoying each other and the meal I have helped prepare. (The part I do hate is washing loads of dirty dishes, but Ross tends to save the day by offering to take care of this.)

When I look around a room a see a table piled high with tasty food, friends and family sharing stories and laughter, I can not help but be thankful. Thankful for the daily provisions of food, a warm home, money in savings and our jobs. Thankful for the people who bring so much to our lives. Thankful for being able to afford another trip back to visit family. Thankful for the amazing husband and family I have been given. Thankful for the opportunity to worship and fellowship freely. Thankful for laughter and joy we experience, even in this broken world. Thankful for the salvation and hope I have in Christ. Thankful for the God who makes all this possible, even though I am so undeserving of His goodness and grace.

Happy Thanksgiving!