November= Thankfulness

I am as excited as the next person about the coming of the Christmas Holiday. I love giving and receiving gifts.  I eagerly anticipate gathering with family.  The jubilation my children express when the first snow arrives is contagious.  Their faces light up as each tree ornament is pulled from the box and rediscovered.  On and on I could go about the miracle that is Christmas.  However, what the heck happened to celebrating Thanksgiving?????  Already we are bombarded with ads in the newspaper and on TV telling us about all the great deals to be had on the "stuff" that has somehow seemed to replace the true meaning of Christmas.  My neighbors actually put up their Christmas lights last weekend. (They haven't turned them on yet...and they may not be all that stupid putting them up when it is not 9 degrees outside- but still.) 

 

I made this little banner a while back and now that it is officially November, I put it up last weekend.  It wasn't my idea...I hacked it from here. I hesitated in linking that picture because their version is way cuter.  I made the squares from wool felt and the letters were cute using a stencil and fat quarters that I thought looked autumn-ish.  I sewed them on raw edges and all.  It is hanging from a garden twine rope. ( a bit uneven too- the ladder was fairly wobbly, I wanted to get off it as soon as possible.)

Above our door it hangs in the hopes that it encourages us to be grateful for ALL that we have.  So many times we take simple things like a new toothbrush or clean socks for granted.  The big things slip by too- health, family, freedom.  I want my family to slow down and really give thanks for what has been given to us. 

So, for the rest of November (or at least until Thanksgiving) each time I post I would like to include at least one thing- and a picture too, of something (people, moments, and yes things) that I am thankful for. 

First up, I am thankful that my girls like to wash dishes for me. I do hover somewhat nervously as the water gets splashed about, and some food bits get passed over (good for the immune system right?) but I am thankful that they are willing to help out.

It was funny to watch the progression of wetness take over.  First, they wanted their sleeves rolled up.  Next, the socks came off.  Then, we lost the pants.  Finally, when I turned my back for moment Hannah actually disrobed completely and was sitting in the sink (she put the plug in the drain.)  That is where I drew the line.  Washing dishes in the buff is too much for me.  Its important to me that we work as a team and all pitch in.  This is a great way that they can play work :)  What are you thankful for?

Comments

[amandajean]

what a great post, Elizabeth! It is one of my high priorities in my life to pass on thankfulness to my children. I love your give thanks banner. what a great reminder.

I am thankful for so much...my family, great friends in several states (we leave more friends behind with each move, but we keep finding more, too!) I am also thankful for the house we have to rent...I could go on and on.

Your dishwashing in the buff story made me LAUGH!

[Jim Hickman]

Humm… washing dishes in the buff… naw, that would not be a good thing for me to try (though it is completely possible that I could have actually done this at some time in the past, and one of the things that I am thankful for is that there are no known pictures of said task).

I am thankful for the discovery (or... more honestly, I have been confronted with the need for it) sweet surrender. A person would not have to look very closely or very intently to notice my faults or failures. They are there for the entire world to see. Comparing this reality next to a perfect God who is without fault and the reality of what that demands is a completely hopeless place… until… don’t you love words like this? Until… the love of God towards me was expressed and then revealed to me through His Son Jesus. The word surrender is... in the living of this life reserved for those who have failed (like so many spiritual principles, it seems counter intuitive). Even at the mention of His name, tears of thankfulness begin to well up in my eyes.

The wonder of such great love propels me at its discovery, to a place of surrender. It is truly the sweetest of all surrenders! I am so very thankful for Gods mercy and His expansive grace, not only as it pertains to me, but also to all those who like me, so desperately need it. I am thankful for the cleansing blood of Jesus that leads me to my place of surrender!

[julie]

I love your "Give Thanks" Banner and I know what you mean about Thanksgiving being overlooked by the materialism of Christmas!

What cute pictures of the girls washing dishes! I am thankful for my husband, being blessed with the gift of children, and making the decision to be a stay at home mom.

[melissa]

what a wonderful post. You inspire me to greater things. I know that sounds hokey, and I probably wouldn't say it to you in person for fear of it sounding, you know, sappy, but you DO!

I am so thankful for my life right now. Not because it's perfect, but because I'm seeing the little ordinary, everyday miracles through different eyes. And appreciating them more!

[Demeri]

I am thankful for my little boys' smile every morning when I am rushing around and trying to get breakfast made, socks on, my hair done, clothes put on and out the door in a timely manner (it never happens) but they are always looking at my with their little smiles that melt my heart every single morning....even if I did just lose my temper with them. They always come back with a smile and most of all an "I love you mommie." XOXO to you all and Happy Thanksgiving

[Cindy]

Libby, wow, love this post and I loved the comment about "sweet surrender", i looked to see who posted such lovely thoughts,and was disapointed there was no link, but then i thought hmm, and clicked on your "my dad" link. What a precious dad you have:) And I see that he is in my town, small world. What a great way to start the Christmas season, giving thanks and putting everything in the right perspective. I am thankful for all the things people have mentioned above, family, health, home, freedom, my bed:), but mostly that "I am a woman who knows she is deeply loved, totally forgiven, & completely able to live life. All because of Christ Jesus." (quote from a favorite book, Having a Mary Spirit) Love the banner!

[Bobbi]

Libby,
Wonderful post. Thank you for reminding me of the true value November brings, thankfulness. I have much to be thankful for, all my dear friends, children who call me constantly and seem to love me...worts and all. Also, my surgery showed no signs of cancer remaining!!!! I find myself just saying thanks outloud and being very grateful for where my life has brought me. Thanks Libby...hmmm also, love the idea of doing dishes in the raw....I'd best close the curtains.
Bobbi