In reflecting on sharing at this Thanksgiving time, many incidents came to my mind. Last Friday was one of those days when I felt the "prison" walls of this place I am in closing in on me. It was a Wycliffe celebration day with a special chapel featuring the newly appointed director followed by a picnic on the green in his honor. The green happens to be just beyond my patio fence. I wanted my family to enjoy the festivities so I was careful not to express the deep loneliness I was feeling. But from my bedroom, I could see and hear everyone outside and I felt totally alone.

A while later, David came in carrying a pure white, helium balloon which he released to bob on the ceiling just above me. "Corine sent it because she missed you and wanted you to know you're not forgotten", he told me. Corine stops in every few weeks to share and let me share all God is doing. She probably has no idea how many times she has rescued my day from wrong focus and I'm sure she never knew what a silly little balloon would mean to me that day! Probably none of us realize the impact we have on the lives of others. Things we think are insignificant may make all the difference in someone else's day or even the course of their life.

Recently a friend of mine called and I had to cut our conversation short because I was too tired to hold the phone. Two hours later, she arrived at our house armed with a speaker phone (it stores up to 28 phone numbers!), roast beef sandwiches, salad, cake and her hubby who, along with her, visited over lunch. Her gift totally changed my ability to visit by phone. Her number was the first one I programmed into it and my family watched and laughed as I exclaimed over all the features it had like a child on Christmas morning. Evelyn may never fully realize how great her gift was an immediate response to a need she knew how to fill.

Our "milk lady" comes each week with milk she is able to get at a discount for us. But after delivery, she comes back to chat about the kids and everyday things. I wonder if she knows how much I look forward to that? When she found out I loved bottle brush trees, she made me an unique bouquet so I could watch the process of how the bottle brush opens. I felt loved!

Linda stops in to give hugs and offer practical assistance. She just wants me to know she's there for me. When I want to rejoice or when I'm sad, I know I can call her and she will come.

Susie prays with me. We are one in spirit and carry God's heart together. There is nothing about my life or feelings I can't share with her. She corrects me and redirects when I get off course and allows me to do that for her also.

Ethel, our far away friend we have never met, hears from God and her obedience has pulled us through many times when our finances would have been badly lacking. And there are many regular, faithful supporters who are committed to what we are doing. Without them, we wouldn't be here at all. If you are one of them, we thank you.

And of course, my family gives me joy in so many ways! Jim serves me and loves me unconditionally. He knows how to make me laugh and is sensitive when I need
to cry. Dave plops on the waterbed to talk about life from his youthful perspective. He buys me animal crackers and my favorite ice cream at just the right times. Jenny shares everything with me, even her friends and cheers me with her good humor and beautiful music.

Whether big or small, acts of thoughtfulness can literally transform people's lives. I am so thankful for people who write to me and others who drop off impromptu meals. Some I don't even know personally and they all know I may not be able to write back or return their kindness. If you are one of them reading this now, thank you and God bless you.

If there were space, I could go on and on. Thinking of these blessings has given me much to cherish in my heart. Of course it is God who works through us all and our thanks go to Him for every good and perfect gift. But how wonderful when we are open to hear Him. Those little promptings, which perhaps seem unimportant, if obeyed can make us God's gift to others. And I know of no greater joy we can have than to do this. I hope we have, in some way, been God's gift to you.

In closing, we pray that God will make you aware of His many blessings so that you can be encouraged and thankful. May we all be made an expression and extension of His life by the working of His Holy Spirit. And if your way is full of trials, may God bring to mind those things that are pure and lovely until your heart overflows with praise. We love you and give thanks to God for you all.