The Joys of Thanks-Giving and Thanks-Living
Thanksgiving Day is behind us, but Carl and I packed our bags with joy and headed straight into a Thanksgiving life — destination: Epiphany Ranch, East Texas.
Ahh– that slice of heaven my Staci and Larry call home. The kind of place where the sky stretches so wide it feels like God painted it just for us. Where the air is fresh enough to clear our minds, warm our hearts, and maybe even straighten out our attitudes if it needs a little adjusting.
We’ll sip morning coffee on the porch while the sunrise puts on a show that takes our breath every single time. The chickens will cluck their morning opinions, the birds will offer their cheerful soundtrack, and the day will unfold slowly — like God whispering, “Rest here — breathe here — enjoy Me here.”
By this afternoon, the house will be full — Payton and his sweetheart, Alexia and her brand-new husband, Winston (still newlywed-glowing), laughter bouncing off the walls, and games and puzzles spread across every table.
And don’t think for a minute that Carl and I hesitate to jump in. Oh no — we’re as competitive as the young ones. We don’t always win, but we give it our best shot and make them earn every point.
And then the food! Lord, have mercy. Nana’s famous carrot cake, cheese ball and fruit salad and Staci and Larry’s delectable goodies along with the turkey, dressing, and all the tasty treats we all love — dishes that taste like comfort food and tradition rolled into one.
There’s something about good food in the country that almost makes us want to hum a hymn while we eat.
Standing in all this goodness, I’m reminded that this — this is the life God wants us to live. A life full of joy, expectation, and the wide-open belief that something good is always on the horizon.
Thanksgiving Day may be over, but thanksgiving living goes on.
In the fresh air.
In the sunsets.
In the family laughter.
In the quiet moments where gratitude wells up without being asked.
God’s country reminds us — His mercies don’t run on a holiday schedule. His goodness doesn’t expire when the leftovers do. Every sunrise is a fresh invitation to joy, and every sunset is a reminder that His peace covers us from beginning to end.
So here’s to Epiphany Ranch —
To family —
To wide open skies, fish jumping in the lake, warm hearts, and the God who fills every moment with beauty.
Thanksgiving isn’t just a day. It’s a life — worth living!