Dying to Self

In the midst of the hubbub of the year, I find myself challenged today to give up my will and submit to the Lord's.  It is not what I want to do.  I want things to be my way - whether that is in tune with God or not.  This morning before I got up, I already had a full plate.  Ever since then things have not gone exactly the way I would have had them go, and I am struggling with that.  I admit it.

I need to let go but am holding on for dear life.  Then . . .

Everyone gets up late (myself included).

One child has a major meltdown before the day is hardly started.

Another child does her schoolwork completely wrong and seemingly nonsensically.  There is a need to do it again - twice.

It is lunchtime, and I already know that there is at least one person who will not be interested in the food that is put before them.

Grrrr . . . as I feel my temperature rising and my blood boiling, I keep telling myself that my attitude is all wrong.  In another child's Bible story for today, I read about Mary and Martha.  A lesson to self.  Is what I am doing worth anything?  Who am I doing it for?  Me or the Lord?  Is what I am doing what I am supposed to be doing right now?  Today?  Listen to God and quit worrying about all of the work that you think that you have to do today.  Stop looking at yourself period and start looking unto Jesus.  I confess that I have done it again, Lord.  Taken my eyes off of you.  Not worthy.  Father, forgive me and help me.  I need your enduring mercy every day.  How about you?

Thanksgiving Song

from Happy Jack by Thornton W. Burgess (1918)

Thanksgiving comes but once a year,

But when it comes it brings good cheer.

For in my storehouse on this day

Are piles of good things hid away.

Each day I've worked from early morn

To gather acorns, nuts, and corn,

Till now I've plenty and to spare

Without a worry or a care.

So light of heart the whole day long,

I'll sing a glad Thanksgiving song.

Whatever Happened to Thanksgiving?

A time to be thankful, a time for giving thanks.

This time of the year there is so much emphasis on Christmas on television, in the stores, in the ads, that I have been asking my family "Whatever happened to Thanksgiving?".  Even when I was growing up some bemoaned the commercialism of the holiday season.  Now I feel like bemoaning it myself.  I enjoy Christmas.  Really I do, but I would like to wait until December 1st or at least after Thanksgiving to be immersed in that time of the year.

In order to refocus and regroup, I told the children not to sing Christmas carols until December 1st (much like my wise mother once told me).  I also decided to start asking the children every day what they are thankful for.  This is something that we already do occasionally.  Why not focus on it for November?  It is time to pull down my Thanksgiving file from last year full of poems and whatnot for this season.  Time to think on those Bible verses that speak of being thankful.  Time to read about the Pilgrims and think of our blessed heritage and how God provides for us again.

""O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the people." - Psalm 105:1