Not long ago, some friends from our church gave ENan and me the bird house pictured above. I am grateful for these dear friends and for the gift that brightens our back yard. When I look at the bird house, it reminds me of the many other things I have to be thankful for.
It reminds me that I am grateful for our house. ENan and I were 50 year-old first time homeowners when we bought our house in Wallace. It has been a place of warmth and security for us, our family and friends who have put their feet under our table.
It reminds me that I am grateful for our church. Although our church does not look anything like our bird house, it is a sanctuary in the truest sense. People of all walks of life find refuge and rest there. Many have also found it to be a place from which they fly out into the world to serve God.
It reminds me that I am grateful for our family. What began as the two of us 50 years ago is now a family of 10. Each person in our family is gifted and beautiful in their own way, and each is loved more than words can express.
It reminds me that I am grateful for friends. Our friends have blessed our lives by sharing laughter, tears, struggles and adventures. The gift of friendship is something we treasure.
It reminds me that I am grateful for the animals God has created. Our yard hosts birds, squirrels, deer, rabbits, lizards and more. Each creature is the handiwork of our creative Lord.
It reminds me that I am grateful for our neighbors. Even though we are not constantly in each other’s business, I know that I can call on my neighbors for help and they will come. I hope they know the same is true for us.
It reminds me that I am grateful for health. One of our neighbors loaned me the post-hole digger to plant the birdhouse but allowed me the privilege of digging the hole myself. I am grateful I have the ability to do physical labor. Some folks my age are not so fortunate.
Scripture tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) During this Thanksgiving season, be sure to give God thanks for the ways He has blessed your life.
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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