Stop 31 - St. Louis, Missouri

Returning home is not only for prodigal sons, but nomadic wanderers can trek back to see family homes. Entering the threshold of my parent's apartment in the Midwest was a festive occasion with the slaughtering of the fattened calf. (or soy for a vegetarian nomad) Time at home included holiday feasting, generous gifts, and plots to solve world problems from a dining room table. As Christmas passed, my thankfulness for a loving family and parents who merit great honor has increased.

Stop 30 - Back in The Beltway (Washington DC)

My Youth With a Mission (YWAM) team was photographed outside Washington DC's Library of Congress. Throughout the last three months we have lived communally, prayed continually, and fought courageously for truth. Despite the fasted lifestyle, many days were filled with fun antics. (carefully examine the above image and post what you find)

Seasons of laughter notwithstanding, our group has shifted to a time of transition and farewells. Our leadership has declared a sabbatical and many people are changing vocations. With the scattering of our fellowship, I saw many tears wiped from crying eyes. I am thankful God gave me friends and homes worth a season of grief. Gandalf's words from Lord of the Rings are more than a light witticism when he proclaims, "I will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil"

Stop 29 - Phoenix, Arizona

Adopt-A-Family is not a new game show with scandalous behavior, but a term for when friends from the Air Force invited me to spend Turkey Day in Phoenix. By accepting the generous offer, I spent a wonderful several days with an awesome family. Even though I was not officially a relative, I was showered with kindness, food, and friendship. My incorporation into the family included going with the father to work at a local ministry, playing music during devotionals, cooking pasta for dinner, and numerous opportunities to improve humility (losing at board games).

While reflecting on the holiday, I am so thankful for the many times I have received undeserved love and acceptance. My history of adoption was not only at Thanksgiving, but I have also received a free adoption by God into a heavenly family. (see Ephesians in The Bible)

What undeserved blessings are you thankful for? (feel free to post them)