The Fullness of Gratefulness

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can recall the fragrance of traditional spices filling the air, fresh rolls baking, turkey roasting, cinnamon sticks, apple cider, and so much more. In my treasure chest of memories I can hear the laughter of children and rowdy adults, silly jokes, songs sung together and the silent pause as we thanked God for our feast. And then back to the clang of glasses, silverware sliding on plates, conversations, and so much more. In my minds eye I recall the overflowing tables and counters of appetizers, then the main course, followed by an array of desserts. All of it much more than any of us could consume in one sitting. We would be full after this memorable meal, and often I would be found enjoying cleaning up. I was not invited nor volunteered in to prepare or bake, other than an appetizer or something extra as we had enough great chefs in the family. But I did and still enjoy the experience of diving into an overfull counter of leftovers and a sink full of dishes, taking part in it being reduced to a clean and sparkly kitchen afterwards.

Of course Thanksgiving has been very different without Ken. But changed as it has the memories never do. And I am grateful for then and now. This year I have been thinking about the fullness of gratefulness, and wanted to share with you what that means to me, and hopefully encourage you too as you approach this season.

Fullness

For me, the fullness of anything including gratefulness is that feeling, awareness and resolution of enough, more than enough and not wanting or needing more. Those days of family feasts on Thanksgiving are a perfect example of fullness to me. Fullness is also a place where there is no need to look for or ask for more. To be content and full for the moment or place I find myself. Without extra space to allow anything else to crowd out or interfere with that satisfying and pause where I am full.

Gratefulness

Thank you for this, thank you for that, etc. so easy to say and share, but what I am discovering in this upcoming third season without Ken is that I am actually realizing even more to be grateful for. And that is okay, actually very important to experience and appreciate life to the fullest even when the biggest person in your life is no longer with you. All the while I have been reminded of the greatest love in my life is so much bigger and better than anything I could ever hope for.

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The who, what, where, when, why of my journey in this season is becoming an experience where I am embracing the Fullness of Gratefulness.

Who

The one who created me, loves me, saved me. Who is and will always be. My mind cannot comprehend his power and wisdom and I experience the ultimate Fullness of Gratefulness.

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

What

What I need for this continued earthly journey and beyond into eternity, I have all that I need. From the baby God created to the woman I have become and continue to grow into, God has crafted and prepared me. He continues to give me all I need when I need it. May not be what I have wanted or wanted to avoid, but in His wisdom and plan for my life, He alone knows what I need and I am learning more and more to completely trust Him in all things. From the provisions for this time in my life to the space and time be able to rest, He is taking care of what I need and helping me to focus on the Fullness of my Gratefulness to Him.

Where

From where I was born, in this country, to my parents and where I lived growing up and raising a family. To this place where God led us three years ago. Where Ken lived out his last few months of life here, and enjoyed time with family. All I need at this time in my life is right here, where I live. With two of my adult children and their families withing walking distance or a short drive away, close enough but with enough space too. More natural beauty than anywhere I have ever lived. Parks, trails, waterways, places to discover here and nearby. This is where God has me right now and I am experiencing a Fullness of Gratefulness here.

When

From this time in history of all the years God could have placed me, this is when He planned for me to live. At a time in my life when I may have been still working in my career or other ventures, I am now in a place and time when all of that doesn’t matter anymore. I became a widow in a new and different place, with no professional connections nor the need or desire to pursue a career any longer. When I get to take a walk on a beautiful day, share a game and laughter with my grandchild, meet up with a new friend, these are the moments now that provide me with a Fullness of Gratefulness.

Why

It is human nature to question why when things don’t work out as I intended. Or why a baby isn’t born but passed on before it’s term. Why someone so seemingly healthy can be cut short by a deadly disease? Why God doesn’t step in and change things or make everything better? Sometimes, often times the why is not as critical as trusting God with the ultimate outcome. I will spend eternity out of this aging body, where there is no pain, sorrow and endless days with my savior. This time on earth along with all of the concerns will be gone but I will forever be able to experience a Fullness of Gratefulness!

I hope and pray that you have been encouraged today and perhaps you too can jot down your own who, what, where, when, why of your own journey and experience the Fullness of Gratefulness!

May God richly bless you this upcoming Thanksgiving, please share your thoughts or an email, I would love to hear from you.

Pati