This weekend was a much needed break for a very busy family. Jessika and Monika started full time pre-school last month after Jim realized he could never make his deadlines while caring for the girls part-time. Thursday Jessi woke up asking, "is today really a home day?" Usually there is only one home day a week, Saturday. Home days are not really fun days but they are different. The girls get to sleep in and watch a little TV, while I pay bills and clean up, then there are swimming lessons, homework, shopping and depending on the weather, there might be time to play outside. This week we got three days to all that stuff in and more!
This Thanksgiving we followed our traditions carefully. We started this year a little late but still went on to stuff the turkey, go to the gym to exercise, cook side dishes, eat, see the latest Disney movie, bake pies, play, eat pies, watch TV special and go to bed. At meal time when we went around to share our thankfulness we had a little trouble with Monika, who flatly refused to give thanks. She, of the three, has not followed blindly into our "Christian ways". She questions everything, especially the reason for prayer. At three, her heart is already somewhat hard and I have no idea why. I realize God works differently with different people and I know He is working on Monika differently than He has on Erika and Jessika. It is my hope that God will create in Monika a need for Him in a special calling.
This year Jessi gave thanks first with hearty gratefulness for food. Jim thanked God for our family while I was especially thankful for our good health and Erika gave thanks for our dear friends. Monika eventually offered thanks for the food after having her arm twisted a bit (it was give thanks or go to the bedroom!). We hope that your Thanksgiving day was a day of festive rest, joyous fellowship, and giving of thanks to our generous God!
