Blessed Beyond Measure

“Wash your hands everyone.”

“It’s time to gather.”

“Thanksgiving is ready.”

These are some of my favorite phrases this time of year. 

When family and friends, young and old, gather round the table for a celebration of the harvest, I know we are blessed beyond measure.

With platters, bowls, and small dishes of good food, we bow our heads, say our prayers, and smile.

A circle of thanks; a circle of celebration.

We listen to new stories and old stories.

We laugh with joy, remembering recent events and past experiences.

We weep for the ones we have lost, and celebrate those who are still here with us.

We honor the work of those who grew the food and prepared it.

We are grateful to have the time to share it with others.

And, in our family, as we do the dishes, we sometimes break out in song.

With three and four part harmonies filling the kitchen, we laugh, we sing and we know that we are blessed with this special time of being together. 

Our cups are full and over flowing with joy and thanksgiving.

I hope this week you can gather with your friends and family, and celebrate the blessings in your lives and the harvest of this season.

We have so much to be thankful for in our lives.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Count Your Blessings

This is one of my favorite times of the year. 

First, I love it when family comes pouring into the house. Seeing nieces and nephews, greeting new boy friends and girl friends, welcoming aunts and uncles. The blessing of all being together is quite special.

Second, when family all gather at the table to celebrate the Thanksgiving meal, I love the quiet pause for prayers before the meal. Here with heads bowed we are thankful for the bounty of the food, the gift of being together one more year, and the miracle of being a family. This is truly a moment when we are blessed. 

Finally, I love the time after the meal when all participate in the clean-up in the kitchen. As food is put away, special dishes are washed by hands and the table is cleared, the room is a buzz in multiple conversations. It is during these times that I come to understand that “work is love made visible”. And after such a grand meal, a bit of clean-up together, we always make room for pie and whipped cream!

My hope is that you are blessed beyond measure this week. Celebrate family, count your blessings every day, and, when possible eat more pie!

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257