The Great Fullness of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in all its fullness?

When I think about Thanksgiving, the first thing that comes to mind is gratefulness and all its trimmings. We pause to remember the year’s fullness or lack thereof. Today as I write, I’m reminded of how every breath we breathe and hand we hold leads us forward on our journeys to find a deeper calling in life—and how living deliberately might be the key to finding the great fullness of Thanksgiving.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Honesty and gratefulness

Even in seasons of broken promises or blinding sadness, there’s a multitude of reasons to remember each year’s harvest. We watch summer’s last dandelion wish drift away with the wind. Autumn’s leaves wither and fall to the frosty ground. And, finally, when the nakedness of weeping willow trees is laid bare, the unique beauty of every imperfect branch beckons us to see.

Grateful for all the fullness

We gather with friends and family to celebrate life. However, the year’s abundance or hardships aren’t the table’s centerpiece. It’s a time when love, honesty, and gratefulness cover sickness, sins, and sorrows; a time when a great fullness comes from God’s heart—and his spirit, not turkey and homemade gravy. He alone is more than enough for me. I hope he is for you too. Now and always, let’s celebrate the great fullness of Thanksgiving.

From him and through him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36 ESV

God’s great love

Dear friends,

Wisdom has a way of teaching Biblical truths about the mysteries of life and about how wide and deep God’s love for us is. Maybe we only need to remind ourselves of these truths. Though indescribable, his love always gives me peace. I can lay my burdens down. Pray. Sing. Share. Let the tears roll—and be grateful he canceled the debt of my sins. I don’t have to worry about the world (or social media) canceling me. Maybe this is the beginning of understanding such great fullness.

Can you relate? I’d love to hear your thoughts about the great fullness of Thanksgiving. Please don’t forget to join the conversation here in the IAF comments section below. Read more of my stories on Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog or the DoveStories website

—Joann

*Special thanks to Pixabay for use of all free images: Feature image by pixel2013, #1 lg image by hudsoncrafted, #2 lg image by Kranich17, #3 lg image by TerriC.