Last week on a long work-at-home day, I asked my youngest son to make me some toast. He was eager to help but as I typed away at the dining room table I soon smelled the familiar aroma of burnt toast.
A sibling pointed out the obvious. I could hear mumblings back and forth along with scraping sounds. Since I was just grateful someone was making me a snack, I stepped in to celebrate with some gratitude.
“That looks great! Thank you for making me toast.”
“It’s a little bit darker.”
“That’s ok! I’m a little bit darker too. 😉”
Then I helped him smooth it all out with some delicious cream cheese. And it WAS good.
Too often we think our offerings to others aren’t good enough. But I think people are usually just glad to be on the receiving end of love, generosity, a compliment, or yummy breakfast foods – know I was. I think God is happy when we share those things with others too. Ministering happens in moments, and sometimes are widow’s mite means more to others than we ever imagined.
So think more of your burnt offerings, and enjoy the ones that happen to land on your plate. Life’s too short to be picky about our blessings! ❤️
Each year for the past 15 years of marriage I’ve wanted to get our annual letter out at Thanksgiving time so Christmas could be that much more focused on the Savior. This year, we finally did it! (Even though I’m posting it a week late. LOL) Here are some highlights of our year and what we are grateful for. (Maybe it’s even better to pause and think about gratitude again now that the crazy shopping and other Christmas chaos has started.)
“I’m thankful that I’ve been able to provide for our family even though I lost a job. I’m thankful that I can work on the temple grounds as part of their grounds crew. I’m thankful that we were able to go to Minnesota and be at Nickerson for a long time. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to see the kids in several plays this year. I’m thankful that I was able to go fishing with Sammy, Michael, and Sophia and that they all caught fish. I’m grateful I was able to go hunting with Michael for his first time hunting with his own gun. I’m thankful that I was able to take a Genealogy course and learn more about family history. And I’m thankful for a warm home.” – Chad
“I’m thankful I’ve been able to have a front row seat to my kids’ and husband’s growth. I’m thankful for their health, curiosity, brilliance, kindness, and strength. I’m grateful I’m healing from surgeries and that we’ve been able to go to the temple each month at least once. I’m grateful for the peace that’s there. I’m thankful for everyone’s support in developing my talents and using them to serve, such as family photos, writing, and singing. I’m thankful for all the support we feel from you all, both nearby and across the miles. Above all, I’m thankful to God for giving me this blessed life and family.” – Eva
“I’m thankful that we got to go to Minnesota, and that we got to do the play Bye Bye Birdie. I’m grateful that we got to go to the Planetarium in SLC with Grandpa and Grandma DeLong. I’m thankful we got to go to the Discovery Gateway museum with friends, and that I got to go to my friend’s party in Lehi. I’m thankful libraries exist. I’m thankful for books. I’m thankful for my homeschool co-op, and that I got to take dance class and guitar there and be in the showcase. I’m grateful I can do sleepovers at Grandma Anderson’s and for movies. I’m thankful that we started a homeschool newspaper and that the 8th book of one of my favorite series, “Amulet,” came out. I’m grateful I got to post some videos on my YouTube channel this year, and also that I got to go to Girl’s Camp for my church and get my Faith in God Award. And I’m thankful I got a new art book to draw in.” – Sophia, age 12
“I’m thankful I got to go to Minnesota. We got to go shooting and fishing, and I like doing those things. I’m also thankful that I had a fun birthday. I got a shotgun, and I had a fun party. I’m also thankful I got to be in a show. It was Bye Bye Birdie. I’m thankful I got to go hunting, and I got two pheasants. Dad and Uncle Evan helped me so I’m grateful for them. I’m grateful for my family. I’m thankful I got my Arrow of Light for Cub Scouts. And I’m thankful for our pets.” – Michael, age 11
“I’m thankful that we got to go to Nickerson, and that I got a full-grown, largemouth bass. And I’m thankful that we got to go on the Cruiser. And I’m also thankful for my cousin Max. He gave me a ride on a four-wheeler and we saw 2 deer and 1 bunny rabbit. And I’m also thankful for my birthday at the pool. It was really fun. We got to do the diving boards, and I got to do the high dive. I’m thankful my dad taught me how to dive. And I’m also thankful for my bike to ride on and that I got to learn how to ride with no training wheels this year. And I’m thankful for the scriptures, and my family, and Christmas, and cats. ” – Sam, age 7
We wish you a very happy (belated) Thanksgiving!
Thank you for being part of our wonderful lives!
