Giving Thanks

Last night we had our annual Pilgrim Feast.  We headed down to the basement with our friends Floyd & Peggy so that we could sit in the coldest, darkest part of our house--our pantry.  We cuddled in blankets and pretended we were in the cramped quarters of the Mayflower.  As the sound of ocean waves came from the CD player, we sang Oh God Our Help in Ages Past, read psalms and portions from Pilgrim Stories, The Landing of the Pilgrims and Of Plymouth Plantation by candlelight.  We ate soda crackers (which subbed for hard tack) and salami (after years of eating dried canned beef on this night, we decided to go for the more edible Italian dry cured meat).

Once our worship was complete, we convened upstairs to eat fish chowder around our dining room table. After dinner, Floyd's enthusiastic readings of Brer Rabbit and Richard Scarry's Mother Goose entertained the little boys.  The girls and I chatted with Peggy.  I think Floyd & Peggy are beginning to get used to the loud volume of our household.  It was a nice, relaxed evening (aside from a few minor little boy squabbles).

This morning we attended the Thanksgiving service at our church.  It was a time set aside from the busyness of meal preparations in order that we might give thanks to the Lord and the abundant provision He has bestowed upon us.  As my Uncle Keith said to me this morning, "It would have been enough."

Late this afternoon we will head over to Matt's parents' house for the big feast.  Seventeen of the nineteen grandchildren will be there.  We'll have more food than we can eat, even with all those people. We are blessed beyond measure. 

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!  Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.  Psalm 107:21-22