Shelter-er or Shelter-ee?

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.  ~W. J. Cameron

Oh my, is everyone else racing the clock to get everything done?  I'm busy, but there's that undercurrent of excitement that makes me smile.  I found myself singing Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow while I mixed up pumpkin rolls at six o'clock this morning.  A little later in the morning, I went to the office; and as a typical day in the life of a two-year-old would run, Morgan crashed riding her bike but her daddy fixed her up with a bandaid.  She bounced over to my desk and said, "My wegs all better now."  Again, I smiled and thanked God for my three precious grandchildren, each so different, all so loving and sweet. 

Melanie came in from her doctor's appointment, sick and having back pain, but with the joyful news from the doctor who said the baby was perfect.  Another smile.  Another praise.  I filled my cart at the grocery store and the man at the checkout asked if I needed help.  Assuming he was going to help me I said, "Yes."  Instead he asked a lady to take my groceries out.  I was embarrassed because she looked older than me (or at least what my perception of me is).  She got her coat, hat, mittens...unloaded the bags...I hope she knew my "You've been such a blessing to me today" was heartfelt.  As I drove away I was thankful for an abundance of food and a warm van. 

So much to be thankful for--a husband who offered to get our groceries if I had not been able, a grandson's sweet giggling on our way to school this morning, a daughter who cheerfully helps scrub floors and move furniture, parents who are well enough to come from Pennsylvania to share in the blessings of Thanksgiving Day, the anticipation of seeing my sister...Blessings are everywhere and I feel like I have more than my share. 

The more I try to shelter, the more I find myself being sheltered.  Renee handed one of those famous green and brown bags Sunday.  She said it was a his and her gift.  Starbuck Thanksgiving Blend coffee beans for RB and Tazo black tea for me.  Tazo tea can get me through the frantic pace of Thanksgiving, one strong sip at a time. 

A young mother from church left me the sweetest note this week.  Even with work, a baby (who just decided to crawl!) and much to tend to, I am amazed she took time to bless me. 

My brother called me this afternoon to catch up.  Another blessing.  Through all the parts and pieces of my day, the peace that passes understanding, joy unspeakable and the love of my Heavenly Father fills my soul with thanksgiving. 

My passion for sheltering others pales in comparison with the sheltering I receive from family, friends and most of all, God Himself.  I am blessed.