As I sit at my computer I can hear “Old Man Winter’s” frigid wind howling outside my house. (And it's still autumn!) The sound alone makes me cold. Seeing mountains of snow plastered against the windows causes the cold to settle into my bones, and the harsh realities of winter to weigh heavy on my heart. In case you can’t guess—I really hate winter! Oh, the Norman Rockwell, picturesque winter scene—puffy white flakes cascading to the ground, forming a soft blanket of white upon the frozen land—can be beautiful. And, there is no other time of the year when we are able to view lustrous crystals shimmering upon snow-laden bows and rambling hills of white. These diamond like crystals only show themselves on the coldest of days however. But they are a sight to behold.
It’s hard to believe that by next week our temperatures are supposed to be around 60 degrees and all this snow will be nothing more than slushy puddles. Such is life in Western New York. Along with rising temperatures next week, also comes Thanksgiving! A time to gather with families, and eat obscene amounts of food, followed by scrumptious desserts, followed by a nap if you’re a man—a huge stack of dishes for the women folk. And of course there’s FOOTBALL: Or for me, a good book.
Hopefully somewhere in between cooking the meal, setting the table, eating until our stretchy pants threaten to burst, and vegging out in front of the game, we take time to give thanks for all our many blessings. I have to admit; this past year has been a challenge for my family. My numerous accidents, the most serious putting me in a purple cast for nearly two months, and the life threatening drama our youngest son, Chris had to endure, made me wonder if we had some invisible target on our backs.
It’s hard to believe that by next week our temperatures are supposed to be around 60 degrees and all this snow will be nothing more than slushy puddles. Such is life in Western New York. Along with rising temperatures next week, also comes Thanksgiving! A time to gather with families, and eat obscene amounts of food, followed by scrumptious desserts, followed by a nap if you’re a man—a huge stack of dishes for the women folk. And of course there’s FOOTBALL: Or for me, a good book.
Hopefully somewhere in between cooking the meal, setting the table, eating until our stretchy pants threaten to burst, and vegging out in front of the game, we take time to give thanks for all our many blessings. I have to admit; this past year has been a challenge for my family. My numerous accidents, the most serious putting me in a purple cast for nearly two months, and the life threatening drama our youngest son, Chris had to endure, made me wonder if we had some invisible target on our backs.
It’s also because of these trials that I am so very thankful this year. I’m thankful that we weren’t alone, even during the darkest, most frightening times; God was always with us. I’m thankful for renewed health and mobility for both Chris and myself. I’m thankful for my entire family: my husband; Our two sons, and three grandchildren; all my extended family—sister, brother, father, nieces, nephews, great-nephews. I'm thankful for our dear friends and our church family, our military, and our freedom. I’m thankful for our home, something that many don’t have. I’m thankful for our health, creaky bones and all. But most importantly, I’m eternally thankful for my Father God, my Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit; my constant companions, source of strength, Savior of my soul, and best friends imaginable.
So as the wind howls, the snow flies, and my feet freeze, I wanted to take a moment to count my blessings. My list could go on and on.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours
So as the wind howls, the snow flies, and my feet freeze, I wanted to take a moment to count my blessings. My list could go on and on.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours
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