Thanksgiving

Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder, and to praise of the goodness of God. –Thomas Merton

All nature seems to speak… As for me, I cannot understand why everybody does not see it or feel it; nature or God does it for everyone who has eyes and ears and a heart to understand. –Vincent Van Gogh

It seems an odd Thanksgiving to be thankful. It may seem odder to recognize the goodness of God this year. Yet the journey I now travel seems to require a greater willingness to be thankful, a keener ability to recognize God working, and a humble readiness to accept the encouragement of both longtime and new friends.

So as I sit down to the feast this year I am thankful for what has been, thankful what will be, with nothing that can be taken for granted. Only knowing that there are new adventures, friendships, feelings, opportunities, and reasons to be constantly surprised by God’s grace.