This evening, as I sat in reflection, the soft glow of decorative twinkle lights warmed the burnt-orange and yellow decorations gracing every table and ledge in my home. A cozy fire crackled as warmth and comfort filled the room.
For more than a decade, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I've found great pleasure in transforming my ordinary log home into a festive celebration of gratitude, with pumpkins and all things autumn filling nearly every corner.
Even the blackboard by the side door welcomes guests with a cheerful “Hello, Fall!” written in chalk, while autumn aprons hang ready to assist in the kitchen with fresh-baked pumpkin muffins—a true delight for the palate.
But tonight, it's quiet. The laughter and love that once filled this home are no longer heard in the same way. Yet I rejoice in knowing the celebration in Heaven is all the sweeter for those who have gone before us.
Suddenly, today's song, Find Me by Jonathan and Melissa Helser, filled the room. Oh, my! What a peaceful song of joy. In that moment, I felt so grateful for life's simple pleasures, but even more so for God's unwavering love.
My thoughts immediately turned to Jesus' prayer before His crucifixion, recorded in John 17:22–23:
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
How is this possible? It's almost too wonderful to fathom. This truth takes my breath away!
The Father loves me with the same love He has for His Son. Despite my sinful ways and all the times I fall short, He continues to draw me close, offering forgiveness, grace, and an abundance of love.
Through Christ, I am welcomed into a relationship with the Father beyond anything I could ever earn or deserve.
That's a whole lot of love! How can I not be grateful?
As the song beautifully expresses: “As the wheat it bows down low When the autumn wind blows I kneel before the One I love Find me grateful Find me thankful Find me on my knees.”
In Romans 5:5, the Apostle Paul assures us God has poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Because of the power of God's love at work within us, we have a hope that circumstances cannot extinguish. Even in seasons of loss, when the house grows quiet and familiar traditions stir tender memories, His love remains steadfast.
We may not always feel thankful for what life brings, but we can always find reasons to be grateful for the One who walks beside us through it all.
Thoughts for Reflection
This Thanksgiving season, may we look beyond the pumpkins, twinkle lights, and festive gatherings to the greatest gift of all: God's unfailing love. Whether our homes are filled with laughter or wrapped in quiet, may our hearts remain full of gratitude.
Lord, when You look for me, find me grateful. Find me thankful. And most of all, find me on my knees, resting in the breathtaking truth of Your love.
May our lives become a song of gratitude, reminding others even when circumstances change, God's love never does.
