thanksgiving

We have prayed and now I cook for some hours. The turkey is in its brine and spice broth, the pumpkin custard (wife is celiac -- no pie crust) is cooking, the gravy parts are simmering, I will add the onion soon. The bread is baked, three loaves delivered to congregants who "bought" it with contributions for the new health clinic we are building in Malut Sudan. Asparagus will be pan fried with sesame and balsamic, Brussel sprouts will be steamed and pan warmed with candied chestnuts. Butternut squash and pumpkin soup is ready for the last cream and some fresh tarragon. A feast, certainly, we shall make a feast.

And yet, as I contemplate the year, and all the good things, it is the opportunity to help in Sudan that I find myself most grateful to have. They eat goat today, if at all. We eat turkey and many, many side dishes. But we are bound, and some measure of my feast is for them, as is some measure of my work, and treasure.

It is not enough. They need ways to have more. I can do with less, if necessary, and certainly can give more. It is never, really, enough. But we all do as we can, and the new clinic will be built.

For the people of Malut, I am thankful. For the opportunity to help, I am thankful. For my family, and friends, I am thankful. And always for the loving sacrifice of Christ, I am thankful.

Give thanks to the Lord of Harvest!