Pausing for Thanksgiving: Tricks and Treats

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Psalm 100:4

It's November 1st and unlike the retail businesses, we're pressing the pause button instead of fast forwarding into Christmas. We're stopping to open our eyes, slow our pace, and breathe deeply of God's grace, presence, and provision in our daily lives between now and Thanksgiving Day. It's my prayer that you will be inspired to do the same and share your thankfulness with this blogging community.

Our hearts quicken listening to unprecedented October blizzard winds howl. Heavy laden limbs creak cold in midnight winds, then snap. Breath holds while lights flicker, waiting for dark. We pace and pray...pace and pray...ever watching until sleep overwhelms.

Morning light proves snow hit New England hard. Phone lines open. Family all safe. Some sought shelter. Our lives spared. Hot coffee slides down deep warming to our core.

Last night, snowmen dot lawns with jack-o-lantern heads. Giggling, costumed children traipse through green leaves and crunchy snow shouting, "Trick or Treat!"

While many surrounding towns sit dark and cold forced to cancel celebrations, we whisper thanks for God's protection through the storm. Surely, some tricks amongst the treats this Halloween. 

  Lord, we thank your for your protection through this storm. We praise you for family, laughter, and treats and surprises around every corner.