Welcome to November
Welcome to November. Suddenly, it feels like it. After an October in which, for a while, it felt like summer, we’re now getting chilly mornings with frost, and, even occasionally, those typical bright blue skies of autumn. We’re still kind of waiting for the spectacular fall foliage. As we turn the calendar to November, suddenly food, family, and holidays start to confront us. Certainly, if you stroll through the stores, you’ll be reminded that it’s time to make out lists for plans and for purchases; and, if their message gets through, to spend lots of money. Each year, we like to remind folks that there is a reason for the season. If we could turn the clock back, we wonder what impression the early Puritans would have if they were to observe how we celebrate Thanksgiving in the 21st century … football games, family get-togethers, and overeating until we can scarcely move. At the end of the day, how we give a word of thanks to our hosts, perhaps that our football team won, and maybe for a small package of leftovers to take home. And all the while, scarcely a word of thanks to our Creator, not just for the abundance of food and fun, but for the many blessings we enjoy but seldom even notice. We hope that your Thanksgiving will include some reflection on how our every moment is a gift from God. Each moment an opportunity to say thanks. We might even add, gifts from God which bless us throughout our year, and for which we should express our gratitude throughout our year.
In the busyness of the coming holidays, we hope you can maintain an “attitude of gratitude” and keep noticing all those moments that bless us and give us joy that make this time of the year special. Happy Thanksgiving. Virginia