We got a dusting of snow, our bellies are full of turkey and colorful light displays are popping up all over the Ozarks. Ah, Christmastime is here. You know, I thought I had exhausted the thankful topic last issue, but as it turns out, I believe we all have a lot to be thankful for, all through this holiday season.
Call me old-fashioned, but take, for example, the number of restaurant or gas station signs you pass this time of year reading, “Jesus is the reason for the Season.” Where else but in the good ol' Midwest do you see that kind of thing? My sister recently moved to New York, and I guarantee she won’t see many signs like that this year. Think of how many nativity scenes you’ll see on display. We’re pretty fortunate across the Ozarks to celebrate the type of Christmas we do. We all experience a Christmas message that can be shared through a collective voice. A voice, that at this time of year is professing virtues like love, kindness, joy and peace. And of course thankfulness.
This has been a wild year, but we can all be thankful, still. Think of all the rain we had earlier in the year, and the great amount of hay most of us will be enjoying this season. Think of gas prices that came down, finally! We can be thankful for farms that sprout perfect or even not-so-perfect Christmas trees for us to seek out and drag home, and for time gathered around a table that offers us plenty of food, and for love that comes from good friends, good neighbors and those we hold dearest to our hearts.
Thanksgiving is actually only the beginning of an entire season of thankfulness. The joy of Christmas, the joy found in the real reasons for the season, the thankful spirit that comes with that joy… these are the things we all must hold on to, all year long!
God Bless,
