A Season of Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I am reminded of the many things that I have always loved about this season. For me, Thanksgiving is not just a day for giving thanks, but part of a season of gratitude for so many things that bring me joy and happiness and that inspire me to give thanks to God for his many blessings.

I grew up in Pennsylvania, and reside in Florida, but Autumn is still the beginning of my favorite season of the year for many reasons. I have wonderful memories of driving through trees with breathtaking red, yellow, orange and gold leaves, lining both sides of the road and meeting each other at the top to form an archway and giving me the feeling that I was traveling through a tunnel of fire.

In Florida, I drive through tunnels of palm trees or oak trees which are also breathtaking, but not as colorful. So, during this season, I surround myself with fall paintings, photos, and decorations that are rich in those colors to warm my soul. Plus, there is sunshine in abundance, to brighten my spirit and my life, even on the most trying days.

I have wonderful memories of seeing birds migrating south in their V shape in the sky, and the crisp clean smell of cool air as summer passed and winter approached, and even enjoying those unseasonably warm days of Indian Summer, that sometimes followed the first frost. After living in Florida for many years and as I have grown older, my favorite temperature now is somewhere in the mid-seventies (much friendlier to these old bones).

There are memories of bonfires, marshmallow roasts and the donning of jackets at the start of football season. I love the game, but it is more than that. It is the camaraderie (or perhaps competitiveness) shared with friends and family rooting for their favorite pro-football team. Or, the bond of a community attending every football game to root for and support the local high school team.

In years past, keeping the tradition of the Pilgrims, who celebrated a good harvest with a feast, I remember many Thanksgiving Days, awakening to the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, pumpkin pies, and all the trimmings. I remember how excited I was preparing to enjoy wonderful food and conversation with family and friends, sharing thanks for our blessings, and for having each other.

As this Thanksgiving Day approaches, my circle of family and friends is smaller because they are residing all over the country and I have lost far too many loved ones and friends. But, I still look forward to that Turkey dinner and all the trimmings, and for the company and conversation of those that remain.

More than anything, I give thanks to God for the good harvest of happiness in my life and the love of family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!
May your harvest be plentiful!

Photo by John Michael Lindsey on Unsplash
Pilgrims Image - biblescripture.net
Turkey Chef from Pixabay. by GDJ

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