The Day Before Thanksgiving

 The Day Before Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving

in this blessed country we’re living

our kitchens are a-flutter.

Don’t forget the butter.

The day before Thanksgiving

there are pies baking in the oven

with cinnamon and allspice.

Doesn’t it all smell nice!

The day before Thanksgiving

the turkey’s still defrosting;

butternut squash is ready for roasting

when the pies come out of the oven.

The day before Thanksgiving

there’s day-old bread for cubing

to mix with poultry seasoning,

causing some to be sneezing.

The day before Thanksgiving

celery and onions are sauteing

to be added to the stuffing

or do you call it dressing?

The day before Thanksgiving

the refrigerator’s stuffed with everything.

In fact, each one’s favorite foods for eating,

as everyone is preparing for a day of feasting.

The day before Thanksgiving

the pretty company dishes need a quick washing,

perhaps the tablecloths or linens need pressing –

and there doesn’t seem to be time for everything.

The day before Thanksgiving

our country is preparing

for a day of feasting

with much thanksgiving.

* * * * *

The day before Thanksgiving

with thankful hearts we’re intent on giving

a prayer of gratitude overflowing

for much more than the food we’re busy cooking.

We’re thankful for our loved ones,

those near and those far from home,

for those added to the family

and those now in eternity.

We’re thankful for everyone’s health

regardless of what has been dwelt -

for adversity teaches us to trust,

growing our faith, which is God’s best for us.

We’re thankful for freedom to worship

with others in like fellowship,

to pray for one another

and encourage each other.

We’re thankful for God’s Word

which helps keep us moored

in choosing to do what’s right,

to stand firm in faith, not sight.

We’re thankful for God’s Word which keeps us nourished

so that our faith will grow strong and flourish,

as God’s Word is food for the soul -

sustenance to keep us well and whole.

We’re thankful for …

(be sure to discuss what you’re thankful for).

Foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and who know the truth.

For everything God created is good.

I Timothy 4:3-4

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Life Is a Garden Party

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The Thanksgiving table when I was young was heavy-laden with everything the vegetable garden produced, including a variety of pickles.  Even the turkey was home grown; with more in the freezer. Cranberry relish from the recipe on the back of the fresh cranberry package. I didn't know until years later that celery hearts were part of the celebration in honor of dad's dad.  At least three types of pies made from what was home grown.  Reminded of the hymns, "We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing..." and "Come ye thankful people come, join the song of harvest home.  All is safely gathered in..."  My parents root cellar and well house was full.  Colorful quarts and pints lined the shelves.  Burlap bags of root vegetables in the well house.  Certainly a time of thanksgiving, to remember God's abundant blessings, especially the blessing of family.