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“Let everything that
has breath praise the Lord.” –Psalm 150:6
There’s
magic in the air this time of year, and I’m not talking about preparing for Christmas.
It’s the transformation that happens in nature: of green trees revealing their
hidden reds, oranges, and yellows and, as autumn gives way to winter, of
sparkling snow and bare tree branches glistening against the crystal blue sky. My
husband and I are fortunate to live within a few minutes’ drive of both
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit Metro Parks; we hike one of their
many trails nearly every weekend. I smile as our boots crunch the fallen leaves
or I spot a woodpecker gliding from one tree to the next. As I take in the
hills, streams, and rock formations of these gorgeous trails, I’m continuously awed
by the immense beauty of this world that God
created for us. It’s easy to
understand the psalmist’s proclamation that everything
in creation gives praise to God.
During this
magical time of Thanksgiving, let our Lord speak to you through the sunny
autumn skies, the tree branches reaching to the heavens, and the blanket of
snow insulating all that will grow from the ground next spring. See the rivers,
lakes, birds and rocks as the gifts they are: wonders created by God out of His
love for you. Let Him speak to you as you celebrate the blessings of a home, a
meal, and those priceless gifts we call family and friends. If you’re grieving
or struggling, if ‘celebrate’ is the last thing you feel like doing, let our
Lord speak His love to irreplaceable YOU through the people around you who wrap
you in their love and appreciation.
May you hold
in the depths of your soul a Spirit of Gratitude that is deeper, richer, and
more joyful than a mental ‘attitude of gratitude.’
May your
heart be filled this Thanksgiving with happiness and peace.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures
forever.” –Psalm 136:1
Thank you for
reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell
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Thank you for this reflection. Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving.
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