Happy Thanksgiving from Dan, Laura, Marie and JJ!

By Dan -
Some time ago I read an essay about the American Dream that included a thoughtful analysis of Norman Rockwell's famous Thanksgiving painting Freedom from Want. It went in part as follows: "Freedom from Want... is especially telling, for the scene it depicts is joyous but defiantly unostentatious. There is a happily gathered family, there are plain white curtains, there is a large turkey, there are some celery stalks in a dish, and there is a bowl of fruit, but there is not a hint of overabundance, overindulgence, elaborate table settings, or ambitious seasonal centerpieces..." No wonder that family is happy. Grateful people are happier and healthier. Pondering the words of that essayist and Rockwell's painting reminds me how, since the days of pilgrims to the days of the family depicted in Freedom from Want, to our family, our society has only increased in reasons to give thanks. No Americans have been more impoverished than the pilgrims, and yet they set aside a day to give thanks. I am thankful for my beautiful wife, who is at this moment laboring to prepare a wonderful meal. I am thankful for our extended family, some of whom we will enjoy the company of as we share that meal, and the rest of whom I give thanks for in their absence. I am thankful for God's blessing of JJ, this his first Thanksgiving with us, and the joy of these past few weeks watching him begin to walk. I am thankful for Marie - for how she lights up my evening with such an unprovoked yet energetic "welcome home daddy!" as she offers a no-less-energetic hug every time I return from work. I am thankful for friends who love and care for us and who we have such fun with. I am thankful for a good job I often take for granted, and productive work. I am thankful for the men and women in harm's way around the world, and those who have given their lives, to keep us safe. I am thankful for the work of our creator and the sacrifice of our savior. And I am thankful for God's provision and the things that I rarely think to thank Him for - like the sun coming up each morning, blessings He has set aside for me in the future, his graceful covering of my failings, and the perils He has protected me and my family from without a hint of our knowledge. If I only remember one prayer in a given day, I think "thank you" would suffice. Lord, if you could give me just one more thing, may it be an ever more grateful heart that gives praise and honor to you for your goodness - and is free of want. Happy Thanksgiving from the Rollmans! May your day too be one of joy and gratitude for God's provision in your life. "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever... Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." -Psalm 107:1; 1 Chronicles 29:13.

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