I am thinking thankfulness this week. We just celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends in a weekend long party. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for so many things that it is hard to know where to begin.

First, there is the weather. Those of you who know me, know that  weather is a special issue for me.  Our event involved several outdoor activities, including a dinner cruise on Lake Champlain and Sunday brunch at our lakeside cottage.  The last few weeks had been rainy, gloomy and cold. In the past, I would take personal responsibility for the weather and apologize to my guests for the lack of sunshine and warmth. In building a relationship with my Loving God, I have come to depend on Him for those items beyond my control. So, I put that aspect of the celebration into God’s Hands and let it go.  About an hour before the ship sailed, the sun came out and the lake calmed down!  Was I grateful?  You bet!  We had a delightful sail and a beautiful sunset over the Adirondack Mountains. Thank you, Dear Lord! You are great, indeed!

Second, there was a difficult health issue with one of our close relatives. There was doubt about her ability to attend right up until the day before. Yes, the party would have proceeded as planned, but the joy would have been subdued without her presence. I prayed for her and placed her mentally into the arms of our Loving God. Can you imagine my joy when I was told that she was on her way to Vermont and feeling much better? Was I grateful? You bet! Thank you, Dear Lord!

In fact, all our brothers and sisters made a concerted effort to be here for the whole weekend. There was a great deal of joy and harmony present this weekend. Shall I say it again? Thank you, Dear Lord!

Third, Rich and I had some anxiety about the scheduled events. Would there be enough food? Enough room? Would the flowers arrive as scheduled? Would the program be executed as planned? What would we say? All these issues were placed in God’s able hands. I felt strangely calm and supported by my spouse, my children, family and friends and my God. We had a wonderful time!

It is exhilarating and humbling to be the center of an event like a 50th Wedding Celebration. Our guests were gracious and funny when they “roasted and toasted” us. As far as I know, everyone enjoyed themselves. I only wish that all our Ocala pals could have been present for the fun. Was I grateful for this turn of events? You bet! Once again, thank you, Dear Lord.

Fourth and final, there is the marriage itself. I have so much gratitude for the grace which has flowed into our lives during our fifty plus years together. The gift of grace, unearned yet so bountiful, is the reason that we are still together. Grace assisted us to stay the course when the way was rocky as happens in marriages. Grace assisted us to rejoice in the good times; to remember how much we had to value in our life together.
When I write about this, I am reminded of the Pharisee that boasts to God about how good he is and all that he has done. I want to be clear about the fact that without God’s Loving Grace and support in my life, I can do nothing. I didn’t do anything to deserve the rewards of grace. However, I am delighted to accept the benefits and shout out my thank you over and over again.

Thank you, Good and Gracious Lord. Your power is unending. Your wisdom is unfathomable. Your love is enduring and unconditional. I am one very grateful woman! Always remember that God loves you unconditionally.

Terri

Ephesians 2:5-10 ” … made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”