My Cup Runneth Over

I want to express how blessed and thankful I am as we move into this day of thanksgiving tomorrow.

My husband offered me a good lesson the other day. We’d had a wonderful sermon that Sunday about how to actively give thanks (speak up, make the most of it and pass it on). I tease my husband about having A.D.D. and not being able to listen through the whole sermon. Turns out, even though I listened, I didn’t really absorb it. But, he did.

It was my turn to cook food for our church’s free high school lunch program. I was in the midst of fretting about having enough. Complaining about chopping and peeling vegetables. Wondering why I volunteer to help with things that stress me out. As I complained, he offered suggestions, encouraging words and reassurance. Then he gave me the best advice of all. He reminded me that we’d just listened to a sermon on thankfulness. So I needed to look at this project with gratitude.

He told me to be grateful we had the money to buy groceries to donate toward the project. To marvel at the ability to run to the store at any time for any ingredient. To rejoice at the fact that I’m able to stay home on the farm, which also gives me time during our slow season to volunteer. To thank God for the ministry our church provides these students and for using me in it.

Talk about bringing a sermon full circle and refocusing my attitude!

A lot of my Facebook friends have been posting something they’re grateful for each day of November. I didn’t jump on that bandwagon, but would like to offer my own list.

This year, and every year, I’m thankful for the following:

Thankful for Christ’s example, teaching and sacrifice. Thankful for God’s grace, mercy and love. Without knowing Jesus, I would have no hope.

Thankful for family. The one that raised me and the one that welcomed me when I married Tyler.

Thankful for my husband. He is hard-working, patient, loving and fun. He starts my car while I’m getting ready so it can warm up. He makes me laugh and helps me not take myself so seriously. He gives the best hugs.

Thankful for my friends. Longtime friends and new friends. I’m surrounded by amazing, kind, Godly people.

Thankful for my occupation(s). Working with my husband is awesome. Working the land and growing food to feed the world is gratifying. My “other” occupation keeps me connected to ranching and Wyoming. It keeps my creative juices flowing.

Thankful for my church congregation. The folks who run and attend Memorial Baptist Church are truly the salt of the earth.

Thankful for the service organizations to which I belong and members who work beside me.

Thankful for creative outlets. I’ve found joy and solace in music throughout my life. And quilting is reminding me what beauty lies ahead when we overcome obstacles.

Thankful for health. It’s something I take for granted everyday. There are so many things that can go “wrong” with our bodies. Let me remember to cherish every healthy day I have.

Thankful for Wyoming. This state and its people are independent and strong, but won’t hesitate to help and share in times of need. We follow the Bible and the Code of the West.

Thankful for our energy workers. Thank you to the coal miners, oil and gas drillers and all the support workers that keep our lights on and our gas tanks full.

Thankful for America and those who keep her free. With all her faults, this country is still the best in the world and I’m proud to be an American. Thank you to our military servicemen and their families. Without these amazing people, and God’s grace, we would have nothing that matters on this earth.

Thankful for my fellow farmers and ranchers. They endure, they achieve, they innovate, they fight. And then they get back up and do it again the next day.

Thankful for abundance. I’ve never suffered from lack of food, warmth, shelter or love. My cup runneth over. Every. Single. Day.

Thankful for the promise of tomorrow. There are so many things I’m leaving off this list. There are countless every day blessings like running water, a reliable car to drive, civil service workers and the friendly neighborhood store owner.

I humbly thank God for the undeserved life he’s given me. I praise Him for allowing me a life to live in comfort and peace. I ask every day that He use me to do his will and his work. I ask for each tomorrow to be a day to right wrongs, shine His love and thank Him for all he does and provides.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

God Bless You & American Agriculture,

Liz

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. – Psalm 23:5 (KJV)