The Thanksgiving Change

Dad saved his change in five gallon water jugs.  Unlike myself, he would always throw some bills in his jug too, just for good measure. When one was full, he would start another.  He always said that he was saving for a family vacation. The funny thing is that he never wanted to go anywhere.  After he died, Mom said she was going to cash in his change for a family Thanksgiving vacation. It took several trips to the bank to get it all counted and deposited. Let’s just say, it was a pretty good “chunk of change”. 

She then rented the large Smoky Mountain cabin pictured above. Not all were able to make it, but most did. The fifteen of us stayed busy and made memories.  We went sightseeing and shopping, rode coasters and go-karts, and had lots of conversations with tons of laughs. It was bittersweet without Dad being there.  We all knew what his reactions would have been. He would have approved of Amy’s dressing, loved the scenery, been impressed with the craftsmanship of the cabin, but complained about all of the traffic. 

Lots can change in a short period of time.  Last Thanksgiving, Mom was having major health issues and we weren’t sure how many more years she would be with us. By Christmas, she was in the hospital recovering from a risky surgery that eventually improved her health but left us wondering for a while if she would survive the process. In May, Dad went in the hospital for a heart procedure. He suffered complications and never left ICU. I never thought of the possibility that Mom might be here this year, but Dad wouldn’t.  

Things like this should remind us all that time is short and things can change quickly. It should make us realize just how important it is to spend time with those we love. It should also make us want to be sure that we’re prepared for death when it comes. 

Hebrews 9 says that we will all die, but it also tells us how we can all live. Christ gave His life for us so that we may live with Him for eternity. If you have never given your life to Christ, don’t wait.  We're not promised tomorrow. 

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.     -Hebrews 9:27-28

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.    -Romans 10:9-10

Click the link below to receive an email when new blog content is posted. 

https://follow.it/hallelujahe-we-are-not-alone?leanpub