With Thanksgiving in just a few days, and Christmas only a month later, let us take a moment to give thanks for the things we appreciate.
The famous Country Club Plaza in downtown Kansas City. One of the city's unique attractions, decorated in Christmas lights. We used to live near Kansas City and took this photo on a visit downtown.
Autumn brings shorter days and a chill to the air. Leaving my day's work aside and coming into a warm house to be with my family is a great pleasure. I begin thinking about the holidays and everything that makes me feel good about the season.
I have decided to discuss the things I am most thankful for, in no particular order. But before I begin, I will say first that I am thankful for God, who gave me life and loves me.
October through December.
I wait all year for these three months. October pleases the eye with magnificent colors in nature. While the days are still warm, the nights get chilly, and starting the season's first fire in our wood stove to heat our home is almost ritualistic to me!
November still offers bright red, orange, and yellow foliage on the trees, but only for the first week or so. Then the trees become bare for the winter months, which is still a beautiful sight. The days get really short, and coming in a cozy house and smelling supper cooking is incredibly comforting. Thanksgiving with family is always enjoyable.
December is cold, and often times snowy here in Iowa. But there is a different feeling around the community. Christmas wreaths adorn buildings, and homes are beautifully lit at night by Christmas lights. The pace of life feels slower and less hectic (unless you dare battle traffic and go Christmas shopping). It is a time to think about working less and seeing family more. And of course, we get to enjoy our favorite Christmas movies --(My favorite is Home Alone). Christmas music is so peaceful. Not the stuff the retail stores and radio stations play starting November 1st. But real Christmas music. Mannheim Steamroller and Narada Christmas albums. Nothing brings about the peace and wonder of the true meaning of Christmas like O, Holy Night, What Child Is This?, and Silent Night.
Crown Center in downtown Kansas City becomes a Christmas wonderland. Although I am a country boy at heart, there is something that fascinates me about big cities around Christmas time.
A Warm Home
I truly appreciate that we have a house to call home. I appreciate that it is warm and welcoming. Many people do not have this, and that is truly sad. I give my thanks to God that He has provided this comfort for us.
My Family
They are my comfort and support when the outside world seems so harsh. I have a wife that I am more attracted to every day --(seriously, she is way better-looking than ever!) And I have two adorable sons whom I love. Just look at these two faces!
My Family's Health
I am thankful that aside from some minor issues, none of us are currently suffering from life-threatening illness. Again, praise be to God for this.
A few final things I am thankful for.
Wood Heat. This goes along with the warm home mentioned above. But I am part redneck and am obsessed with heating our home with wood. I began burning wood seven years ago and have not given up. When the cold winter wind batters our house, I have a crackling hot fire keeping the house toasty, even if the power goes out. The gas company is not making a large profit from this household!
Time spent in the woods. Whether it is camping, hunting, cutting firewood, looking for Morel mushrooms, or simple walks with my son, time spent in the woods always makes me feel good.
My son sits on a "chair" I cut out for him from a tree stump.
I am thankful for canoe trips on the river.
Few things are as peaceful as paddling alone on the river, taking in nature from a unique vantage point.
To conclude, these last few things deserve a mention.
A reliable vehicle
Friends
Good food
Good times
In an effort to keep this post from becoming way too long, I will stop there. Think about the things you are thankful for and feel free to reply. I am thankful for you, my faithful readers and followers!
