This time of year lands on my face with the perfect brisk bite. We live on a two-lane road that weaves back into the hills. In the fall, coming down into the hollow is most enjoyable. The trees are dressed in their autumn wardrobe, making the hollow look like a bucket of copper pennies, each one shining through with its own copper tone. The fog, as it sifts through the leaves, makes me want to follow to see where it goes.
It reminds me of a Thanksgiving many years ago, before Chuck and I had children. We were at my folks that year, and we were staying down at the cabin, which they built for guests to enjoy. It was early in the morning, and Chuck and I were getting ready to head back home. It had rained all night, leaving the ground saturated and muddy. Chuck went to back the car up and found the car dropping further into the sinkhole of mud.
From inside my parent’s house, my dad could hear the sound of an engine desperately trying to set the tires free from the encompassing paste that seemed only to hug tighter. It wasn’t long before I could see my dad coming down the drive on his tractor. “MORNING!” he yelled from the top of his perch. My husband looked up at me and asked, “What can you find to smile about right now?! I chuckled, “At least my dad has a tractor.”
In the movie Pollyanna, there is an older woman she goes to visit named Mrs. Snow. Mrs. Snow is a cantankerous old woman who believes “Pills and bills” are all she has left in this life. In one scene, she tells Pollyanna, “I’m on death’s doorstep. Just hanging on by sheer willpower.” One afternoon while visiting, Mrs. Snow tells Pollyanna that she is pickin’ the lining for her coffin. Pollyanna begins to tell Mrs. Snow about the glad game; even in unpleasant experiences, there is always a reason to be pleased. She voices that Mrs. Snow should stop thinking about dying and be delighted that she is living.
Sometimes we do the same thing. Our coffin linings become better topics than hearts and flowers.
I asked a few of my readers to share with you what makes them smile. In hopes that the “glad game” will be something we all can learn to play.
I am thankful for the pictures the Lord paints for us every morning with a sunrise and every evening with a sunset! Each one is different and unique and reminds me that His mercies are new every morning. I’m especially grateful when I take time to go out and see his handiwork. – Linda Lowery
I am thankful for the mature and comfortable love that my husband and I share. We married later in life (17 years ago), and he’s ten years older than I. I am so blessed to sit next to him, holding his hand, falling in love again every day, and blessing God for being right on time. – Deb Leige
It is hard to pin down one moment because I am incredibly thankful for my life and family every day. After almost throwing it all away earlier this year, each day in my home with my husband and kids is something I am thankful for. A few nights ago, after dinner and getting the kids bathed, we all four sat down and watched this series on the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Or I should say we tried to watch it. Henry was being silly and playing that he had us laughing so hard that my side hurt. I looked around and felt an incredible peace and thought about how thankful and blessed I am. It was a perfect evening at home. -Kim Pate
Back in July, we had paid off yet another hospital bill. Within a few weeks, another statement came out of the blue – $3,500.00; my heart sank. I was tired of reporting these bills to Jim. However, I said it. Something felt suspicious about the bill. After paying the bill for three months, we delved deeper into our investigation and discovered we only owed $394.00. What savings! God is on our side, and he will fight for us if we allow him to! We are THANKFUL! – Pam Stockdale
We sat around the campfire the other night with some friends, and Ben was dressed up as Spiderman. It was hysterical! Also, a few days ago, it was raining all evening, and I sat out on the front porch swing and listened to it hitting the tin roof. Absolutely one of my favorite things to do. – Brittney Lawley
I like to have a great day and play outside with my dogs. – Eva Jewel Howard – Five-years-old
The girls and I attended our first Lauren Daigle concert together last weekend. It was amazing, and I am truly thankful to have had experiences like that with my girls! – Claire Johnson
I’m sitting in the recliner, front door open, rain falling ever so gently with the softest sound as it hits the pavers. The leaves are turning gold and amber with a hint of fall in the air. So thankful for the rain that refreshes the earth. -Cindy Aicher
Our four grown children live in three different states. Recently we have begun to do conference calls so all six can be on the phone talking to each other in one phone call. I am so thankful for technology! – Val Buck
I am thankful for stability in my home, work, and family. – Charles Howard
I’m thankful to be with my family – Ben Lawley – Six-years-old
I am grateful for the gifts God has given me and what he has called me to do. I am thankful for the peace of God in my life.; to be in God’s perfect timing in everything I do, that I am sensitive to His voice, and for God’s abundant mentality that I have. I am grateful for confidence, vision, and self-discipline. I am thankful for the wisdom to make the best decisions. I am grateful for God-inspired ideas that attract great wealth for my family and others. I am grateful for divine connections and energy, and enthusiasm for life. I love that God loves me with everlasting love. I am grateful for an attitude of gratitude. – Eric Aicher
The view from my back door, in the afternoons when we all have returned home from work and school, the girls usually soak up those last few hours of fun playing outside in the yard. While they are playing together, I tidy up the house, change out the laundry, empty the dishwasher, and start supper. The other day I was putting silverware away and looked out the back door to check on the girls and saw the sweetest sight. Nora, barefoot and all, was sitting in Anne’s swing while Anne pushed her and talked to her gently. They were so precious together, and it made me stop and thank God for the two precious children He gave me and the opportunity to live in an environment where my children can run and play with no fears of the ugly in our crazy world. – Allison Day
I am thankful for the smell of the fireplace and the crisp air when I first step outside in the morning. – Kyle Lawley
No one likes it when the air conditioner goes out in the middle of summer, and the replacement parts won’t be in for a couple of days, but the slumber parties by the upstairs a/c unit make for a special treat for two little girls. The next time your circumstance looks caked with mud, find something to be glad about. Maybe someone close by owns a tractor as well.
Welcome Home
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice all you righteous and shout for joy all you upright in heart!” Psalms 32:11
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