Fall is definitely my favorite season and I am always blown away by God’s design as He colors the fields and all the landscape in an array of complimenting colors. Whether I’m taking a drive to take pictures or just headed to work, I literally can’t stop being in awe of the splendor of it all. Not only do I love the colorful display of nature, but also the crisp, cool air that comes with the season. The oppressive heat of summer is finally gone and I can actually enjoy being outside and going for a stroll through the piles of falling leaves and soaking up the sights and sounds of the greatest season in my opinion.
Of course, another reason I love fall is because I love to cook and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is finally cool enough that you can turn on the oven without having to crank up the air conditioner and it’s chilly enough to make up some stew, chili or your favorite soup with some sweet cornbread. It’s also time for baking cookies with your children and making pumpkin pies – yum, another favorite of mine. It’s funny that all your favorite dishes were once what your mama made for the holidays, but now they have become your favorite dishes to create and enjoy with your family as traditions continue around the kitchen table.
Unfortunately, my dad and all my grandparents have gone to heaven to celebrate all their holidays with Christ their Savior, yet somehow their presence seems near though their chairs remain empty. I usually shed a few tears as I reminisce of Thanksgivings from my past with 60 or more family members all coming together at my Great Aunt Carol’s ranch in Tecumseh and then at my Great Uncle Sam’s home in Mustang after he took up the tradition. Now, they’re all gone and I only have my mother and my immediate family to cook for, but I will still keep them close in my heart as I cook a lot of their signature dishes that they shared with me over the years. I think I might even make homemade bread this year like my Grandma Eloise taught me before she went home. That was another memorable Thanksgiving. Though she was very weak with cancer she got up to show my daughter and I how to knead the bread just enough to make her amazing light and airy rolls everyone fought over every holiday dinner.
I am so thankful for all these memories and a legacy of love that has been handed down to me through the years. I am also grateful for the little blessings – a good job where locals are always saying they loved my last column and I want you all to know that means a lot to me. I’m grateful for my health, though it’s a daily battle; I know I have a lot of prayer warriors who call out my name. I’m also grateful for my comfortable home, my family and friends who I love dearly, and my fur babies that demand a lot of my time but bring me lots of joy too.
However, what I am most thankful for is a relationship with such an amazing Savior, Father God and the Holy Spirit. I truly couldn’t go one day without my irrefutable faith. I wouldn’t be able to breathe without His sustaining love. I am so grateful for His mercy and grace that He has shown me all my life. This is what I am most thankful for and if you don’t know Him as that intimate partner then I invite you today to let Him into your heart. He loves you just the way you are, even if you’re a mess like me. He still loves you and wants to spend time with you on a daily basis.
May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving holiday season.
