Giving of Thanks

Both family and friends have arrived, and it's easy to tell that all is well. Whether deboarding by car, train, or plane, all looks swell and happy as can be. Everyone from everywhere, just in time to enjoy great foods of every kind and fruits of the vines. Thanksgiving day for many is a wonderful time and a good reason to pause after a long and hard season. To others, it's also a gentle calm before the massive stormy rush of the Christmas Season. So, just before the great 'dig in and drink up' time at the dinner table begins, perhaps this brief Thanksgiving Prayer, or a similar one, may be worthy of some family's attention and consideration: Dear Lord, there are so many things for which we are thankful, and at this moment we pause to say, "Thank You" for family, friends, and food; for housing, jobs, and careers; for country, church, and The Christ; for life, liberty, health, and pursuits of happiness. May this pause give us cause for calm of spirit, for silence and solace, for peace and harmony; and we do thank you for your forgiveness as well as the ability you grant to us to forgive others. And Lord, just as Summer has ended, although with reluctance and lament, giving way to Autumn's decent, and before long, as Autumn relents for Winter's entry, may we learn and practice to yield our wills to the will of you, the Almighty. In the name of your son Jesus we pray. Amen. 110719PoSoup