A Heart of Thanks

 Good Morning Friends.

This coming week, we release the brakes and hurtle into Thanksgiving celebrations. My Southern Hemisphere friends having been asking me to explain all the hype, and I discovered once again the subtle differences between us. 

“It’s basically a harvest festival,” I began, then realized that the seasons here are opposite; so Australia today is in more of a planting time than a harvest time.

“Well, the first pilgrims to America nearly died from the hard winter ….” No, that doesn’t work either. A “hard winter” on the Gold Coast is when I have to fasten the top button on my shirt.

“Football …” nope. “Indians helping the pilgrims …” Well, that had a small chord of recognition, but on the other hand, I’m not sure exactly what part the Aboriginals here played in the lives of the first settlers, who for the most part were convicts.

One thing we could agree on, though, was the need for a time to remember family, and get together. Whether we’re enjoying a big turkey or a snag on the barbie, it’s good to celebrate family, and the history we share.

I’m reminded that 60 years ago this week, my mother died of cancer.  I was 14, and of course we were all devastated. It would change who I became, but at the time I couldn’t say I wasn’t thankful … not even just a little bit.

She was a strong Christian and a loving mother but what I remember the most is her struggle with the pain while trying to juggle family responsibilities and finances. In short, she was exhausted. 

Thankfully, as we approach Thanksgiving this year, life is good. But even now, I’m going through my own juggling act. It’s been a tough year for so many of us.  The future is uncertain for sure, and compounded by issues that pervade us all. Health. Wealth. Purpose

One of my favourite verses in the Bible is 1 Peter 5:7, where Jesus said to his disciples, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”

That last part, about Him “caring about me” goes straight to my heart. Wow. How many folks today don’t have that assurance? Just to know, regardless of life’s circumstances, that someone cares.

That’s the stuff of Thanksgiving, isn’t it? And all the more poignant because Someone DOES care. Cares enough to give you a life abundant, with eternity on the other side.

I confess, we jumped the gun this year, celebrating Thanksgiving yesterday instead of waiting til Thursday. As with everything we try to do these days, family schedules dictate just about everything. But we succeeded for the most part, and we were blessed.

Next week, we’ll be packing up again and headed for Japan. It will be a bittersweet time, enjoying old friends and memories, but made sweeter because Tony will have the chance to do what he loves best, teaching and preaching. After that will be a short stop in Hong Kong while we re-pack for that closed country I mentioned earlier. Exciting that we’ll be able to share the Anagaion discipleship program to a whole new people group (at least to us) there. Thanks for your prayers.

Always grateful for you All, 

Marsha 



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