Today is Thanksgiving and it feels different to me than others have. Our family is smaller, more scattered across the country than ever before. Two nieces have moved to Philadelphia. My daughter, her husband, and seven children now live in Oregon. My father-in-law moved back to Minnesota, his home state. Still, there are the remaining members of my family who live closeby and enrich my life immeasurably.

Around my table this year, will be my 83-year-old mother. She recently sold her house and will be moving next weekend to an apartment just around the corner from me. I’m thankful for her faith, her friendship, her acceptance of this new phase of life, and her example of how to live with grace at every turn.

My son and his wife live nearby and will join our Thanksgiving feast. They just bought their first house and are so excited to have a home of their own. It will be a special year of thanks for them as they put down roots and enjoy blessings from God’s gracious hand.

My almost twenty-year-old daughter will grace us with her presence. She lives with us and I’ve seen her grow by leaps and bounds this year. Once a moody, cranky teen, she has blossomed into a funny, graceful young woman who fills us with pride. I’m thankful for coffee runs with her, thrift store shopping excursions, and texting from the next room. Super fun times that I’ll miss one day.

My sister, aka my lifelong best friend, fills my life with laughter. She’s always there, through thick or thin, my constant backup when my own plans or abilities fail. I’ve never known life without her and hope I never do.

My ever faithful sidekick and helper, my husband Rollin, will help me host these loved ones on Thanksgiving Day. He makes my life a joy, rich with meaning and purpose. His very presence is comfort, sitting on our respective ends of the couch watching TV or checking Facebook. He’s a hard worker who brings home far more than finances to our family. He also provides stability, protection, big laughs, repairs, and spiritual leadership. Yeah. I’m beyond thankful.

I hope you’ll take some time to review your blessings today. They are many, even in sparse times. Then turn your head upward and thank the One who lavished you with them.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17 NIV).

Happy Thanksgiving!