My Year of Thanksgiving ~

29 June - 5 July:  This week I  have been thankful for safe travel as we went to Grangeville for Sabbath services; for the largest group I've ever seen gathered in that place for worship; for sunny skies instead of the showers forecast as we gathered at Joy and Abe's place for lunch; for early morning sunlight filtering through leaves of trees - and for the "heavenly sunlight" in my heart; for my friend's gift of a lug of cherries from their orchard - to be bottled for later use; for clear mental processes - the ability to think ahead, to plan my day (but always trusting my plans to my Father's providence); for blessings abundantly bestowed - in the words of hymnist Thomas O. Chisholm, "Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside"; for the gift of friendship; for cherries now in jars and on a pantry shelf; for the bonus gift of fragrant red raspberries; thankful that the cash-register tape lasted through my shift at ETC. Tuesday (new stock has been ordered, but not yet received); for strength lasting through a busier-than-usual day; for promises of a bright, new future ahead; for this day to practice living as a daughter of the King; for water-diamonds sparkling in the sunshine; for the privilege of living in this country, a land where freedoms remain - a bit bloodied perhaps, but yet unbowed; for the beauties of Charlie's Garden in all its spring-time glory; for the refreshing that sleep brings; for Sabbath's reminders of our Creator's power and love; and for the scarlet monarda blossoms outside the door.