Thanksgiving

I had another post I'd been working on, but this one bubbled its way to the surface first.

Our Thanksgiving last year is a bit of a blur to me. Our losses were still so very fresh, and my heart was broken. The baby who was supposed to be with us, wasn't. And I hadn't even begun to process my mom's death at that time. The one thing that jumps out at me, however, when I think back to last Thanksgiving is that I never heard Kristen's name.

We spent the holiday with family, yet no one mentioned our daughter's name. Our tragic loss was the elephant in the room that no one was willing to acknowledge. Conversation, like electricity, seemed to follow the path of least resistance. I was very deeply hurt. I let that hurt fester into anger, and I've held onto that anger. Oh, I've "worked" on it, but not seriously. I've given it over to God (many times), only to take it back (many times).

I'm making steps in the right direction. And I will continue. Tonight, in the midst of preparing pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce and homemade rolls, I had a thought. I'd love to be able to share some scripture and a few words of thanksgiving with all who gather around our table tomorrow. I know, however, that my emotions would get the better of me...they always do. So I will share in a different way, acknowledging the losses of those who gather with us, but more importantly, giving thanks to the God who sustains us.  I created and framed the following, which will sit out for all to see:

 

Have a meaningful Thanksgiving.

He Giveth More Grace

After cleaning up the kitchen tonight, I sat down at the computer and found myself looking through the bookmarked sites on my web browser.  Though I may look for a specific bookmark fairly often, I don't just look through them all on a regular basis (though based on the number I have out there, I probably should!).  I found a few that I didn't need anymore (and I deleted them), and I found a couple of really good ones that I was glad to see again.  As I continued to peruse the very long list, I found one that didn't look familiar, one titled "He Giveth More Grace."  When I clicked on the bookmark, I found a beautiful poem written by Annie J. Flint:

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

As I said, I have a lot of sites bookmarked, but I don't remember ever seeing this before, nor have I heard the hymn.  The fact that I can't explain how these beautiful words made their way in front of me tonight makes them even more meaningful.  And timely (it's been a rough week).  I need to be reminded of the amazing grace I receive daily.  I need to be reminded that when I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, God is waiting there for me.  I need to be reminded that His grace, His mercy, His peace are there when the trials and afflictions come.  Through His limitless power and love, I received tonight the gift of that beautiful reminder...and more grace.