Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving.

As like most of us, there are 101 things going on this week.

A few thoughts:

First, how truly amazing to have a week where our whole nation is moving towards an attitude of thankfulness. What a gift and a blessing it is to live in a country that pauses, intentionally, to give thanks to God for all of His blessings to us.

Second, after just having been out of the country, I have to say what a humbling experience it was to pass through US customs to get back. On the way back into Miami, I found myself feeling overwhelmed with the thoughts of again facing the problems that our nation carries right now. I'm one who tends to get burdened by things a bit too much, & the prospect of picking up that burden again (after a brief but fun trip) was almost overwhelming. A few moments before landing back on U.S. soil, I had a little meltdown, during which one of my sweet friends took my hand & said, "No matter how bad things seem here, no matter what's going on in our country, it's still the best place in the whole world to come home to." Then she prayed for me, then I pulled it back together a little bit.

Passing through customs, the passport officer must have seen my emotion, because he cracked a small joke (the likes of which I don't recall). It must have been some questioning of my citizenship, because my answer was, "No sir (with a smile). I'm coming home."

Indeed. I don't know when I've ever loved my country more, than when I called her mine & was welcomed back home to her.

So remember this Thanksgiving, be thankful for the only country in the world that celebrates Thankfulness to God for just being a country! Be thankful that you are citizens of that nation which truly is the best place in the world to come home to.

Personally, I'm deeply thankful for my husband - whose love helps me live & breathe. I'm thankful for our 3 children who are delight & challenge beyond all I could've ever imagined. The gratitude swells up & it is humbling.

Our God is great. Our God is good. He is in control, & I am thankful.

~~~

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Susannah, a Happy Thanksgiving to YOU and yours, I hope your hope your Holiday went well and you did have too much to eat.
Yes indeed we do have a lot to be thankful for inspite of everything else.
Hang in there we will be fine.

Susannah said...

Yes, DD2, we're still celebrating! Off to another set of parents today & that's good. :)

Somehow, all of this other is part of God's plan; & because of that, I know all is well. Thanks for the encouragement.

Anonymous said...

EXCELLENT....thank you for that