Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving.
The overlooked holiday.
The one that has become more about the best way to serve dry turkey, watching football and getting those deals on Black Friday.
The one that is overshadowed by Christmas lights and Christmas trees and even Christmas tunes on the radio.
Even now, sitting by my Christmas tree and eating that next to the last piece of leftover sweet potato pie from just a week ago, I wonder, how could we just skip over such a wonderful celebration?  This year in particular?

Let me explain...

The kids and I did a little research about Thanksgiving.  Go back to the year 1620.  The Pilgrims had just landed at Plymouth Rock in the November of that year; a brand new land after traveling a long 66 days at sea.  Winter was approaching and the Pilgrims had explored the territory for a month already.  On Christmas Day, 1620, they decided on a place to start their new lives.  It was a long, cold, and hard winter.  By the time spring had come, about half of the Mayflower's passengers had died!  Despite the loss and agony of it all, they got to work trying to grow plants and gather food.  Along came Samoset and Squanto.  They introduced the Pilgrims to their leaders and were able to teach the Pilgrims what to plant and how to hunt.  By the end of harvest time, the Pilgrims had learned so much and endured so much that they decided a celebration was due to give thanks to God for helping them through the first year in the new world.  And thus, the first Thanksgiving celebration.

Over the past year, our family has had somewhat of a "first year at Plymouth rock".  We've experienced challenges, joy, having to figure new things out, near death experiences, and even death.  But when I look back, I see God's provision, I see His hand in it all.  I've know that He's been there with us and I know He has a big plan that I can't always see.  It's almost as if there's been an underlying peace amidst the storm.  I've experienced a strange sort of hopefulness in it all and I know it's because of the Holy Spirit inside me and because of the faithful support of you--our friends, family, church, prayer warriors, and advocates for orphans in Jesus name.
This story is not just about us and getting Harris home.  It's about our faith being increased.  It's about teamwork.  It's about coming before the throne of grace with confidence.  It's about learning that God is good and He is in control.  Despite famine, hardships, anger, and death, we can be confident in God!  If you are a follower of Jesus, then you know exactly what I mean.  It's like how can I not be thankful?  In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, "Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Trust me, there have been plenty of days that I do. not. want to be thankful.  Or pray.  And definitely not rejoice!  But it's God's will for me in Christ Jesus to do these things!  Not only on Thanksgiving at the family dinner when you go around and say something you're thankful for, but every day!  In the midst of a trial, in a joyful moment, pray, rejoice, give thanks!

So, I challenge you to always look to the Lord.  He's always there, ready and willing to listen.  He's in the joy and in the tears.  He loves you.  Let's not overlook the joy in thanksgiving and make thanksgiving something we don't just do on the day we eat turkey and watch football, but something we can do and celebrate all year long!  Trust me, there's always something to be thankful for....

All together at last!!
November 12, the morning after we arrived home.


**More details later on the trip to bring Harris home! Thanks for all your prayers!**