Thanks-living

Each bend of the road brings surprises and challenges. I hope to never weary of all the changes and seasons that rise up to meet us. But this past year and a half has been especially challenging, mostly with me feeling like a weak, aching lump of humankind. I wasn't expecting to not be able to jump up and do Herculean feats at the drop of a hat, although I should have gotten a clue when that Ibuprofen bottle emptied out more easily these last few years. We are all getting older, even if we're a toddler. 

Our beautiful grandchildren are looking to the future, especially the three 12-year-old granddaughters. I see them changing rapidly, becoming women instead of girls. They are interesting to talk to -- their brains as sharp as newly-honed tools, their bodies awkward and akimbo like young colts, as the advent of womanhood encroaches. I'm looking forward to seeing all fourteen of our grandchildren (and their parents, of course) this week, for Thanksgiving. It's the most mayhem you can imagine, but also the sweetest. They love each other madly, running all over and about the house and yards. I might as well not vacuum until everything is said and done. 

We decided to do smoked brisket and ham this year instead of turkey. I lugged a giant hunk of beef home from Sam's and promptly delivered it to my son-in-law who wanted to smoke the thing. I don't even know how that works. There's four birthdays coming up and a closing that requires three gifts, so I might be hitting Sam's again today. And none of that has anything to do with Christmas. I'll think about it tomorra...

Some of this year's sadness has stemmed from conflict at church. We had just joined late last year, leaving our sweet, beloved Grace Prez (PCA) after twenty years. Ken had lost his Dad and we were thinking heavily about the brevity of life. We joined a kindred-minded church down the road, where one of our sons is an elder and we have five of our grandkids in our laps every Sunday (would that we had all fourteen of them there). It has been bittersweet to make such a big change -- super sweet with the grands and then bitter to leave old friends, and in particular when the head pastor of our new church ended up being ousted for absurd, betraying-sorts of behavior. People often say, "I don't go to church because it's full of hypocrites." To that I say, "And I am one." We're all sinners and that's exactly why we need redemption. The Church will never be perfect on this side of life and neither will any of us. What started as grievous things, though, is morphing into sweet, warm fellowship. We are surrounded by young families and singles, hungry for God's presence and Word. They are Berean-like, asking questions, raising their families to be old-fashioned seekers of the good things that have been lost. Ken and I are enjoying the energy and earnestness of these folks. God sees and knows all, and is bringing His people to Zion. The scriptures say, "Satan meant it for evil, but God means it for good." Mysteries...

Thanksgiving, for our many blessings, our good fortune, and even our pitfalls. There is so much to be thankful for today.