Reflections on Thanksgiving

 

Engraved on the glass of a picture frame on our living room wall is the phrase: “The love of a family is life’s greatest gift.” The glass covers a collage of pictures of our son-in-law, Chris, daughter, Shanda, and their four kids: Kendra, Kevin, Nate and Elliot.

Another way of saying it is: “The love of family is one of God’s greatest gifts.” Knowing that we have the support and love of our family means so much to both Al and me. And we want each of them to know that they are loved and supported by us as well.

We were happy to be included in Chris and Shanda’s Thanksgiving celebration this year, which was held at their cottage in northern Michigan. Unfortunately, Kendra and Kevin were unable to make the trip and were greatly missed. During our time at the cottage there were many opportunities both to express and receive love, and to strengthen relationships.

After we had congregated at the Schuss Mountain cottage on Tuesday evening and had chowed down pizza for dinner, the boys went down to the basement to play ping pong with Grandpa Al. Elliot (11) told Al that he had been practicing a lot and subsequently they both gave him a good workout.

Later, came a game of cribbage between Al and Nate. He had taught the game of cribbage to the grandkids at a young age; but this time around, suffered defeat by Nate (13)! Grandpa was a gracious loser. Playing games together is such a nice way to interact, providing things don’t get too intense!

The next day, Wednesday, the boys played outside for several hours. There was about a foot of snow on the ground, making for a sparkling white vista on the golf course adjacent to their property.

Al and I had brought along our snowshoes, hoping for an opportunity to use them. Getting them strapped onto our feet was the hardest part; however, Nate gave us both a hand with that. Then with his sled under one arm, he headed toward a snow-covered sand trap at the end of the 3^rd hole. We trudged along after him, Al commenting that we could have walked just as fast wearing our boots!

 It felt good to be exercising though after the long drive from home the previous day. Nate had several good slides down one slope of the sand trap then pointed through a clearing in the woods to a spot on the side of a hill.

“Now that would be a great place to sled,” he said.

 As we crossed the next hole on the snow-covered golf course and made our way to the better slope, I enjoyed looking for animal tracks …deer, raccoons, squirrels and many unidentified creatures.

Aside from running into a tree that was standing in his path, Nate had several good rides while Al took movies and I watched. It was a great afternoon— exhilarating as well as peaceful.

Nate even tried out my snow shoes on the way back and thought his first try at snowshoeing was fun. And Al was right. It was just as easy walking with my boots on as it was with the snowshoes!

After we returned to the cottage, I went out hunting for small sticks and dried weeds to go with the Thanksgiving table decorations Shanda had brought from home. Later we collaborated on paper place cards. I made designs with yellow and orange bits of paper, and she wrote the words, “Give Thanks,” along with each person’s name on the individual place cards.

Chris worked all morning in the kitchen on Thursday. The most delightful smells filled the house as the turkey and all the trimmings were being prepared. Waiting until the designated time to eat was difficult!

Before enjoying the meal though, we went around the table and shared something we were most thankful for…ham, turkey, potato rolls…and family! Al said a beautiful prayer of Thanksgiving, and then it was time!

Our family is truly a wonderful gift. Just as building relationships within the family is heartwarming and sweet, so building a close relationship with our Creator is sweet, satisfying to the soul. May we be filled with the sweet fragrance of His Spirit that others might be drawn to Him as well.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV