My Year of Thanksgiving ~

7-13 September:  This week I've been thankful for traveling mercies as we drove to Grangeville to attend Sabbath services there, then returned home; for Pastor Roger's insights from the Word; for the delight of worship, song, and study with a larger congregation; for communication with loved ones far and near - I'm amazed to get rapid responses from even half-way 'round the world; for the luxury of heated water from the tap - so much different from what's available to most of the world's population; for eyes to see the world around me and the ability to appreciate what I see; for safe travel as we ferried eldest daughter to McCall; for good news after her follow-up exam; for return to cooler days after a brief reminder that summer's not really gone yet; for the blessing Psalm 71 holds for those of us who have come to our later years; for the assurance that there is forgiveness for our failings - that our Father does not cast us away when we err; for the grandeur of this Salmon River country - how wonderful to live here!  Thankful, too, for glorious mornings filled with anticipation of fresh blessings; to have found just the right parcel-packing container for memories being sent to the eldest son and his wife - and the package now ready for the post office; for this peace that surpasses all understanding in the midst of dismantling a houseful of the all stuff of a long life - I'm filled with peace; for the delicious melon - ripe clear to the skin, no green - I found on my steps; for the folks who got the vintage corner-cabinet and for more room to display the goods to go; for the use of my limbs - not what I once was, but better than I might be!  I'm thankful for this new Sabbath in which I can join others to praise, to worship the Creator; for more than enough of all that I need and some to share; for the love of family and friends that surrounds me each day  ~