Today I share with you Thanksgiving reflections that members of my family shared with me. Identified only by initials, these individuals are the most precious pearls with which God has blessed my husband and me this Thanksgiving.
“As we are all getting older I am truly grateful for my parents and my family. Life can change in a moment. There have been health scares and uncertainties of late. The beauty of living in 2014 is that we are able to communicate and stay in touch with each other every day in many different ways that help us appreciate each day we have with our family. The faith taught to us by our parents is alive and well and now living courageously in the next generation. Faith, family, time, and love—what more could we ask for?” [H]
“I’m thankful for:
God’s mercy and unconditional love;
Family and true friendship;
Fingerprints and drawings on my walls;
Children who bring immeasurable joy;
Endless questions, running commentaries, and random thoughts from little people.
The sound of laughing that only children are capable of;
Boys who embrace being boys;
Toothless smiles;
Hugs for no reason.
A husband who is hands-on with the boys and always has time to wrestle or play games with them and always has time for me too;
Enjoying every moment with my husband, hero, and soul mate—my protector, provider, and best friend.
An endless supply of cousins and like-minded friends for the boys to play with;
That tomorrow is always another day to start fresh;
An adult son who still enjoys our company and is not only a son, but a good friend too.
Parents and in-laws who I know will always be there for us and love us unconditionally;
A sister who is also one of my closest friends and a brother who is a great joy.
Good health for my family in mind, body, and soul.” [CM]
“I am grateful for every person in my life, and topping the list are my parents.
They are far more than parents; they are cherished friends whose faith and love inspire me to be a better me.
My siblings and their families, whom I love dearly. I’m thankful for my boyfriend whose selfless heart constantly amazes me.
My friends who are like family.
I’m thankful for every day that leads to today. For the chances I have had and hope to have, and for my faith that is fueled by hope.
All I have learned from my dear family and friends, and the common thread of love I am surrounded by, given to me by the people who I am so lucky to call my family and friends.” [CL]
“Being Thankful For:
Seeing the glory in what God has blessed us with every day. Seeing the beauty in all people and nature and especially our family.
Our family’s respect for the dignity of human beings.
Our insights that expose the materialism and emptiness of the world for we know that pursuing materialism will only send one into a deep hole of despair.
Our family having the opportunity to share our love for one another in amazing ways including the nice older lady who talked to us for a while at brunch last week. We could see in her eyes how she longed to be part of our family. I thought for a while later on, where was her family?
The treasure that is my family, and I look forward to many years as my family continues to grow in faith. The key to my family’s solidarity is my husband’s strong leadership and devotion to God as a man, husband, and father.
Lord, bring back our families. From a thankful mom!” [A]
“I am definitely most grateful for my loving family this Thanksgiving. It has been a tough semester and the people who have been there for me the most are my parents, grandparents, and siblings. They have shown me unending love, compassion, and concern in my time of need. Specifically, my father has helped me grow in my faith and turn to Our Father during this tough time. My family is always there for me and always will be there for me. I love them all and am so thankful to have such a faithful and caring family.” [E]
“I am most thankful for my family. Every amazing thing that has happened to me in my life has only happened because of the opportunities that my family has given me. I don’t know where I would be without them, and I thank God every day for the truly amazing blessing that is the Brown family!” [K]
And I, as wife, mother, grandmother, and pro-life senior citizen, am thankful to God for these beautiful people—as well as those who follow in their footsteps.
Have a blessed THANKSGIVING!