Thankfulness to feed the soul

“Laughter brightens the eye, increases the perspiration, expands

the chest, forces the poisoned air from the least-used cells and

tends to restore that exquisite poise or balance which we call

health.”

-- O. S. MARDEN

I hope that you all enjoyed the right combination of a loving God,

special people, answered prayers, good food, refreshing conversation,

hearty laughter or even cleansing cries if needed on Thanksgiving.

I felt like I had already enjoyed the holiday thoroughly, even

before our first feast at noon. Our daughter Amy and I went to

church, and what we experienced was so precious that my soul felt

deeply fed and satisfied.

But surprises and blessings continued.

What I loved about the particular service we went to on

Thanksgiving was that I never knew what or how God would reveal

himself, or what would be said.

The pastor stepped aside and it was open mike. Everyone was

invited to share what he or she was thankful for this year. There was

a powerful feeling that God wanted to make his presence known and

that people wanted to share deeply from their hearts what God had

been showing or doing in their lives. I laughed and cried right along

with them.

At one point, all the children were invited to come up on stage.

Some of them bolted to the front, and others needed extra

encouragement or accompaniment. While some shied away from the

microphone, others didn’t want to let it go.

Many said they were thankful to God and for God. Some added that

they were thankful for their mommies, or daddies, or their assorted

pets and toys. Then, totally oblivious to the audience, some of the

children found the eyes of their parents, and waved with an

enthusiasm that I wish I could bottle and keep. I was energized by

the proud looks on the parents’ faces.

There were tears and laughter throughout the room as we watched

the children’s shining eyes and beaming faces. Children bring such

joy, and their inhibition and ease at saying their thanks is truly

refreshing.

We were all given a piece of paper on which to list some of the

things God does for us. The children led us to an attitude of deep

gratitude. The more I wrote, the more I had to write, and the more I

realized how much I have to be thankful for. Some of the things on my

list were happy, fun things, but I was even able to thank God for

hard times, as well. Those times have clearly helped me grow.

I read a quote by H.U. Westermayer: “The Pilgrims made seven times

more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than

these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”

That helped my perspective and gave a structure to my list by

reminding me that even in trials, great blessings abound.

My list included family, friends, fun, forgiveness, freedom to

worship, water to drink or swim in, and much more. I also included

giggles, children’s glee, little boys and girls and their total zest

for life. I’m thankful for parents, children and for laughter,

because I love to laugh and laughter is contagious.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.