On Thanksgiving Day I expect to see many expressions of gratitude, and I’m glad. Being grateful doesn’t mean we ignore the hurt and pain being experienced by many around the world. It does mean that in our pain we seek to find the reasons for hope and beauty. Even though Thanksgiving is a particularly American holiday, gratitude is known from ancient times to be something that brings relief and joy when days are difficult.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. - Psalm 28:7
I was grateful today to visit Black Bayou with the beautiful Maggy by my side. Though the temps are falling some and it was chilly, it was - as always - a place of beauty and serenity.
This Eastern Phoebe was far up in the top of a tree, so I couldn’t get a great angle, but was happy to see the beauty of a small creature at peace within its world.
I was delighted to see more egrets and herons today. I’ve been missing them. I hope that they are migrating back into our area.
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. - 1 Timothy 4:4
I’m also hoping to see more varieties migrating through the feeders in my backyard. It’s pretty much been the same crew lately. I have heard of some sightings in the area, though, so maybe we will see some new friends soon. Today this cardinal let me snap a few photos! As the winter months approach, many of the flowers will fade until spring. I’ve had a few last-minute roses and have enjoyed them. It’s pleasant enough to drink coffee on the back patio and toss the tennis ball that Mr. Billy brings me for our dog Cali.
Back at Black Bayou this afternoon we got a late start. This is a busy time of year! So, it wasn’t very long until the sun was setting over the bayou. That is a special time for sure. We did also see one small alligator floating in the lake.
It is hard not to be filled with gratitude when we are able to walk into such a beautiful place on such accommodating trails and piers and enjoy the handiwork of God. The moon was already out, so you know I had to take a picture. In one of those you can see a bird flying just below the moon and to the right a bit. I didn’t see that when I was taking the picture! You’ll probably have to click on it and see it full size to see the bird in flight!
I have many reasons to give thanks including family, friends, church, and most of all Jesus Christ. And I am thankful for you. I enjoy sharing my photographs and thoughts with you. I enjoy the check-in posts on Sunday, where I just talk about whatever is on my mind. And I have an idea for something new for the new year, but I’m still deciding on that. I know there are so many things for you to read (me too!), so I am very thankful you take a few minutes to spend with me. I appreciate your kind comments, shares, and likes.
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. - Philippians 1:3
The holidays are not easy for everyone, but I do hope you spend some time contemplating your blessings and being thankful. And, let’s not just do it once a year! Thank you for reading. Work hard, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you.
So many wonderful pictures! And such detail! The rose, wow! The white egret and its reflection. The alligator suspended in his watery home. The sunset that changes moment by moment; and that great big moon! It looks like an enormous pale orange waiting to be peeled 🍊
Thankful to God for his beautiful creation and for an observant friend who captures it so well.
I 'think' Thanksgiving is 'every' day, to your point from Wednesday PM. But in my 'opinion', you are currently, and I have no idea of your previous stations, a member of one of the Greatest Church families around.