A Full Heart of Thanksgiving

Today is the fourth day that I've been sick with what my kids are telling me sounds like the Swine Flu. I wouldn't be surprised if it is... or was. At the library I come in contact with so many people, am handed so many things from those people, help those people by touching the same computers they are working on all the while knowing that I am only being kept well by God's amazing grace. So, Thursday night, I felt a sore throat coming on. Be assured that this was the day that I had gone to get a coffee drink for me and Daughter L to share, had (of course)kissed my husband numerous times, kissed Son J goodbye as I went out the door to the library and then sat beside Sis. D at the movies that night sharing with her by personally handing over some of my Junior Mints to eat! May God keep all my loved ones free from what I might have given to them without knowing it! I can't say that the flu hit me as hard as I've heard it has hit many people. I know that everyone was praying for me, along with myself begging Him and so it is definitely God's mercy that I feel so well this morning. I am tired, but no sign of the flu going to my chest. Or even a cough!

The first thought I had when I felt the flu starting was, "oh no! Thanksgiving is just a few days away!" I absolutely love Thanksgiving Day. It's one of my favorite holidays because I get to cook, have everyone I love around me and feel that warm cozy feeling of my home filled with good people, good smells and good food. To me, laughter and love at the holidays is very important because my holidays as a child were filled with alcohol and fighting. Never, ever a good combo. (If you ever want to understand why I adore my husband so much, you would only have to take a minute's peek into my life as a child to see and recognize what a treasure I have today!)

On Friday night, I sent out my husband, Son T. and Son J. to do the Thanksgiving shopping just in case I didn't get well enough to do it myself, knowing that the stores would only get worse the nearer to Thursday we get. I am so thankful because they never missed a beat... they so graciously went and tried to figure out what in the world I meant by "stuffing mix" or "lunchmeat" on the shopping list that I could barely make for them in my flu foggy haze. I think I am pretty well set up for the big day as far as food is concerned!

So I guess this post is meant to say that I have a heart full of Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that God's mercy has been to me in my life. I'm thankful that the flu eased over me instead of taking me with all it's rage. I'm thankful that I have all the food I need to make the meal that will draw all my loved ones here to be with us on Thanksgiving Day. May God fill my home this holiday with peace that my children and grandchildren will stow securely in their hearts!