"This Our Hymn of Grateful Praise"

Some of our guests had wondered if we were up to hosting Thanksgiving dinner again this year. It was thoughtful of them to wonder. After all, it has been a challenging season for our household. During those long days in the hospital, I could not even allow myself to think about the holidays. We were just getting through one day at a time. 

But as life became more manageable, we knew that we needed to host Thanksgiving. We needed something to look forward to. We needed the fellowship of our family and friends. We needed normalcy. We needed to celebrate.

This is a season of gratitude! Of course, every year (every day!) we have so much for which to be thankful. Our Lord has redeemed us. He has given us His Word. He walks beside us. He provides for our needs. His mercies are infinite, and new every morning.

But this year, we have some extra special reasons to be thankful!

~ Ron's health continues to be restored! 

~ Ryan has accepted a new position and he and his family will be moving (are you ready for this?!) about 7 miles from us! Not 1500 miles, not 3000 miles, not 800 miles, not even 200 miles...but 7 miles!

~ Our newest little grand will be joining the family in January!

And so, we gathered. 

Gathered for fellowship. Gathered for celebration. Gathered in thankfulness. 

Before dinner, we lifted our voices together and sang...

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, 
Friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild, 
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 

For Thy church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love, 
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thyself, best Gift Divine, to our race so freely giv'n, 
For that great, great love of Thine, peace on earth and joy in Heav'n, 
Lord of all to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 

Ron stood and thanked everyone for coming. He expressed what a thrill it was to have all four of our children and all nine of our grandchildren together under one roof...as well as extended family and beloved friends. He offered up a prayer of thanks, and we broke bread together. 

Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise!