thanksgiving post-al

so i did a powerpoint presentation in sunday's service; and i might even comment that i'm thankful it is over.  sometimes we envision things and the thing that we see seems to have come from different eyes.

but none-the-less, there is absolutely nothing wrong with yosemite, for those who have eyes to see.  no matter what the season, the grandeur and beauty of god's creation presented in that park is beyond words, really.

sit in silence, and you can hear the breath of god...i kid you not!

and so i am thankful ... are you?  at this time of the year, we get to pause and lift up what brings us to utter the words thank you....

i got a call from daughter kristen last night, informing me that she had been side-swiped while driving home for work...i'm thankful she is safe, not much damage to her car, that she had the where-with-all to get the make and licence of the car the did not stop as she held her phone in her hand .... i'm very proud of my 24 year old...she even waited to call me until it was safe.  i'm thankful she was calm enough to be mature about how to handle a crisis; she's an adult, now...really! 

i'm thankful i had offers to attend thanksgiving...of course, that isn't really the reason i am thankful; i am thankful about knowing kind people, associating with people who offer grace, not because they have to, but because it is who they are....  i am thankful that i can say no and people not be offended, but say...'well, if your situation changes....'  i'm thankful i am good-enough friends with my ex-wife natalie, that i can be included in family situations.  i'm thankful to be associated with people who offer a place in their homes to strangers on thanksgiving; that undoubtedly people share what they have; we are truly a society in which so many people, but not all, have an over-abundance -- and are willing to share.  i'm thankful i know people who will be serving others this holiday.

and i am thankful i have all that i need.  not always do i have everything that i want, but i have a car that runs, a house that is warm and cool when i want it to be; running water with a washer and dryer that i do not have to put quarters into. 

i'm thankful to have a job, that i can pay my taxes that supports others who are struggling ... and while i don't like everything my tax dollars go for, i am thankful i can do something about that as well!

i'm thankful i was able to experience yosemite, and see the trees, and bridal vale falls with snow, and spend time being renewed and strengthened.

and i am thankful for you, who has taken the time to spend a little of your time in reflection this year with my ponderings.  may you experience the rich blessings that are around you ... all the days of your life.  and share the goodness ... such a gift of grace!