This is Thanksgiving week and so I, along with probably many of you, searched my heart to recount the things for which I am thankful.
Neil, my husband, would be second down on my list of thankfulness. In 40-plus years we have hit every high and low listed in the marriage vows, ‘for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.’ The plan still is to stick together ‘until death do us part’ for which I am also very thankful.
Like many of you I am thankful for my family, some who have already gone before me as well as for the many recent additions by marriage and birth.
Neil and I enjoy our many nieces and nephews who are now living across the country making get-togethers something we must plan for in advance but which we find are certainly worth our efforts.
I have enjoyed the many God-given opportunities to work with both my mind and my hands in paid as well as volunteer positions. I feel blessed that God has given me particular gifts, which I am able to use to do His work. And, all of my work is for Him.
I have had wonderful mentors and colleagues in my various jobs, some of whom have become lifelong friends.
What a joy it is to find a new friend, isn’t it? As we sang in Brownies, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.” This is especially difficult today when people are so busy that they find it a challenge to add a new friend to their list. I am mightily blessed when I am invited into that circle.
Yes, I have many things to be thankful for. We have a wonderful church and a fun-filled Bible study group that meets every week. It is a perfect way to keep us in the Word and have joyful fellowship.
And, of course, what a blessing it is to be able to write of my faith each week here in the Herald, so I am very thankful for Art Hall and his family. I am also blessed by the notes I have received since the very beginning from Barbara, my sweet encourager.
So, as I am wandering down my memory’s lane of thankfulness I hope you too are getting in the spirit as well.
God has been very gracious in giving us this country as our place of birth or destination. We could have been born anywhere but God chose for each of us the very spot where we would enter the world. I, for one, am hoping this is the spot from which I leave the world as well because I am extremely fond of living in Cape May County.
This season of Thanksgiving let us set aside a few moments to reminisce. And, as we ruminate, if we encounter a memory of a teacher, friend, minister or relative who we haven’t been in touch with lately now might be the perfect time to jot a note or send a card to those we love but to whom we don’t say it often enough.
For this season I pray you will be blessed with wonderful memories and a thankful heart. Let us give God the glory for what He has done in our lives. God’s love is what makes these memories so warm and wonderful.
ED. NOTE: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
