The Gift of Thanksgiving

“Mom, come quick! My children urged. “Dora left us a present on the front porch!

I casually dried my dishwashing hands, reluctant to see what “present” our newly adopted feline friend could have bestowed.

This was seven-month-old Dora’s first gift and quite coincidently, her first Thanksgiving with us. Dora (a.k.a. “Catface”) is what you might call an adopted, hand-me-down stray. We received her from a family member who, when it comes to helpless kittens, has a heart larger than her home.

I eased over to the crowd already formed near the front door. Just as I thought, there lay Dora’s fresh kill—the proverbial mouse, struck down in his prime, a love offering from a grateful pet.

We stood around staring at the lifeless creature for quite a while. Then, my daughter poised a question that would secure her a spot in the DeMent Kid Quote Hall of Fame (not her first by the way). Lauren asked: “Mom, How does Dora know it’s Thanksgiving?” Her words still evoke laughter.

“Honey, I explained. “Dora doesn’t know. She is just doing what cats do. They deliver “gifts” to their owners from time to time. Maybe they are offering thanks. Maybe they are proud of their catch and desire to share their bounty.”

Over the course of 17 years, American writer and editor, Sarah Hale wrote letters to five United States presidents campaigning for a national day of thanks. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln granted Sarah’s request and established legislation for a National Day of Thanksgiving.

I love that our country designates a day to give thanks. I enjoy spending time with family, watching my Dallas Cowboys (win hopefully) and eating all of those delicious tried and true recipes. But, I challenge you: Allow Thanksgiving Day to be more than a day of feasting on food and football. Allow this one day to set the tone for the other 364. Create a healthy habit of giving thanks each day. Rich, poor, young, old, married, single, healthy, unhealthy-regardless of our position, I pray we all cultivate a grateful heart.

Dora didn’t just kill a mouse where it stood. She brought it before her owners. She laid her gift at our feet. I pray this Thanksgiving, we will do the same. We will present thanks to our Owner, the “giver of all good things.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6 NIV).

From Book Signing to Lunches and Laundry

Christmas lights, Christmas cookies, candles and carols. Last night I was honored as friends and family celebrated the launch of my very first book, Unwrapping His Presence: What We Really Need For Christmas. Author and speaker, Chris Maxwell, graciously asked me to be a part of this project and included five of my Christmas stories.

Austin's Universe

Five-year-old Austin left his mother’s side to play. Without delay, she called for him: “Hey Austin?” “Yes, Mom?” “You’re my sunshine!” He smiled and replied, “Hey, Mom?” “What is it Austin?” “You’re my moon!” Austin skipped down the hall a few steps, paused, turned and ran back towards his mother. “Actually Mom, you’re not my moon…you’re my universe!”

Austin’s words would warm any mother’s heart. Austin was right. His mother was his universe. She was everything to him. Austin relied on his mom to provide his basic needs. His mother supplied food for him to eat, a nice home, and she loved him dearly. She provided for Austin in ways a five-year old brain can’t comprehend. Besides food and shelter, Austin’s mom (together with his father) provided protection; training and instructions on how to live and one day leave the nest, able to flourish on his own.

Children provide an excellent model for how we can convey our love to God. If we observe children closely, we get a clear picture of how to worship Jesus. Children are FULL of questions. They need input so they are constantly asking us how this or that works and why. Why? Why? Why? God encourages our questions. Nothing is “off-limits” so ask Him the tough ones!

Children are sponges for love and attention. They offer spontaneous hugs and “I love yous” throughout the day. If we’re going somewhere, they want to go. If we are hanging out, they want to hang out with us. God longs for time with us. He is pleased when His children express their love and honor him.

When children are hurt or faced with any injustice, they approach us to cry, tattle or plead their case. They seek us first regarding cuts and boo-boos. They constantly ask for snacks and meals. They desire (and sometimes require) our attention all day long and into the night. They are needy little things! God is close to the broken-hearted. He wants us to “seek Him first” and to “cast our cares” upon Him. God reminds us that when we come to Him, He will give us rest. In short, “… my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 NIV).

Next time you desire to worship God, think like a child. Picture yourself, running up to Jesus, jumping up into his lap. I encourage you to rest your little head, with all its concerns and worries, into the nook of His neck. Laugh, speak, weep, worship. He anxiously awaits your arrival.

Remembering A Father

Old Spice cologne did not make it into my shopping cart this week. There were no trips to Hallmark in search of the perfect card. A Sunday afternoon drive to Mt. Dora did not occur. Another Father’s Day is here but a father is absent. Will it really be 17 years this September? A dull ache remains. So do the memories.

I remember a trip to the beach, even though the beach was not his favorite place, nor was it convenient to go. He taught me the importance of keeping promises.

I recall countless afternoons spent riding around in his pick up truck. He modeled the value of “being” and not always “doing.”

He helped me create homemade candles to give away as presents, showing me the significance of using my talents to serve others.

He participated in “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” long before it became popular. Talking with customers and taking trips to the lumber yard and hardware store; he taught me the importance of hard work, relationships and discipline.

All of my memories are not fond ones though. He wasn’t a perfect father. Like each of us, he missed the mark more than once. But, I believe he did the best he could.

I wonder. What memories do you have of your father? Whether good or bad, he taught you. Maybe the lessons were ones you don’t care to impart to future generations. Maybe you don’t appreciate, as singer- songwriter Marc Cohn says, the things (he) handed down. Or, perhaps his life is one you wish to pass on to your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or students.

How did you spend Father’s Day? Was it a celebration of a man you love or a painful reminder of what you lost or maybe never had? Whatever the case, I know of another Father who will never leave you or let you down. His Patience, His Parenting, His Love is perfect. Earthly fathers may fail us. He will not.

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
1 John 3:1 (NLT)