A Thanksgiving Memory…

I’ll always remember Thanksgiving Day in 1963. I was 14 years-old, living on a Maryland farm, and Mr. Cauthorne (the owner of the big estate across the river) invited me to go on a fox hunt. Early on Thanksgiving morning, my dad helped me trailer my horse to the hunt club. Within minutes, I was saddled up and ready to go. The bugle sounded and I reined my horse in line behind Mr. Cauthorne. I can still feel my hands on the reins, the wind in my face, my knees pressing the saddle, and the feeling of cantering across fields and sailing over stone walls. We never caught the fox, but I didn’t care. I relished the ride! 

I haven’t sat a horse in over 45 years. The only leather I sit on now is my wheelchair. No cinches around saddles, only cinches around my middle to help me breathe. The clip-clopping of hooves has been replaced by the click-clacking of wheel bearings. But that’s okay. I’ll ride in heaven. In the meantime, I thank God for memories. So today, design a Thanksgiving tradition that is suited to your family. Maybe a football game in a nearby park. A family puzzle by the fire. Perhaps a hike before you eat dessert. Whatever it is, it’ll be memorable if you do it in the spirit of thanksgiving to our wonderful God and Savior. “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Happy Thanksgiving, friend!