Confession…my favorite part of Thanksgiving day is dark early in the morning, before the sun and before the kids are up. It’s my time to wrestle the turkey and do all the other things that are left to get ready for the day of feasting and family.

But, it’s also my time to remember. I reminisce about Thanksgivings past. I remember all the years I spent at my grandmas house and how hard she worked to make it so delicious…and I feel closer to her as I work hard to show my family I love them through the special meal. Now my grandparents live in California so I don’t get to celebrate with them, but all the scents and sounds take me back as I strive to live up to my grandma’s renowned cooking skills and her gift for loving others through food.

I take embroidered towels out of the drawer and remember my Great Aunt Kate (because she did the embroidery). I remember her quick, sharp wit. I remember her passionate servants heart. I remember how she always referred to me as “MY Jessie” (one of a handful of people to call me Jessie). I remember her tight hugs, which in later years would usually end with her shaking with sobs as we shared the mutual sorrow of widowhood. I remember how she threatened bodily harm to both of my husbands if they ever hurt “her” Jessie.

And I remember my Great Aunt Ruth, because rarely would I spend time with my grandma without her two sisters (Kate and Ruth). So many Thanksgivings and other get togethers with those three loving and teasing each other. So many games of dominos and UNO. Aunt Kate accusing everyone else of cheating (when we all knew it was her who was cheating) and my Aunt Ruth quietly playing and often winning. Aunt Ruth was the solid, quiet rock of that trio. I admired her grace and poise so much.

Both my Aunt Kate and Aunt Ruth are in heaven now. One suddenly and the other after an excruciating illness. But I miss them both so dearly…especially this time of year. I miss them being in my corner…always, without question. I miss their prayers for me. I miss simply being with them and listening to their stories. But, until I see them again, I remember and am thankful for them being a part of my life.

God is so good to bring people in and out of our lives. I’m thankful for the void that they leave for its sometimes in the missing that we see God’s care for us in orchestrating each relationship. And in that intimate care of providing each relationship, He also shows that He knows and cares deeply for our losses too. And I’m so thankful that I have a God who cares about all my joys and sorrows… big and small.

“…Thy will is in all thy provisions

to enable me to grow in grace,

and to be meet for thy eternal presence.

My heaven-born faith gives promise of eternal sight,

my new birth a pledge of never-ending life.

I draw near to thee, knowing thou wilt draw near to me.

I ask of thee, believing thou hast already given.

I entrust myself to thee, for thou hast redeemed me.

I bless and adore thee, the eternal God,

for the comfort of these thoughts,

the joy of these hopes.” ~The Valley of Vision

1 Peter 5:7 – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”

Matthew 6:30 – “And if God cares so wonderfully for  wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”