A Parent's Wish

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 318: Today, I am grateful for a parent's wish.

A mother's deepest wish is not for more money or a fancy new car. It's to see her children love each other and stay friends for life... long after she's gone. That's her forever wish.

This is not a credited quote, but it speaks from a mother's heart. I think the same can be said for fathers, too. Seeing your children grow up to become friends is the best a parent can hope for.

On this day, Walker was born and completed our family... until the boys chose our daughters-in-love. I have always loved that they get along and enjoy each other's company. They respect each other's ideas and thoughts... even when they have differing opinions. They have interesting conversations, with some shared passions and some unique interests.

I am grateful for the laughter shared and for making new memories every time we gather. A shared history is a special connection. A shared future must be intentional.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" - Psalm 133:1

This passage is from the Songs of Ascent, a collection of songs/poems that would have been very familiar and probably memorized by the Jewish people. Many scholars believe they were sung on the way to Jerusalem for the three pilgrimage festivals. They were well known and sung much like we would sing familiar worship songs today. They held a shared history and hope for the future. Perhaps singing made their feet a little less tired as they approached the city.

We are so grateful for the boys' shared history, shared songs, and any opportunities to "do life" together. We are especially grateful for Walker's birthday today. It seems like yesterday, but time flies. His wit, wisdom, generosity, and loyalty are just a part of what makes him special. His gentle soul reminds me of my Mama.

I am grateful for brothers who dwell in unity. My own brother is one of my favorite people, along with the sister he chose for me (Jennifer). We rarely get time together to just hang out, but we treasure every minute we do. In fact, we became vacation buddies in 2020 and haven't looked back. When we're back home, there are always things to do, people to see, and events to make. Matt calls it unplugging... and that is a perfect description. No clock to punch or schedule to keep.

I love listening to the Smith siblings together, too. We were so blessed to get to hang out as a family last summer, and it was a precious and priceless time. Mom Smith and Jake would both be tickled to see the relationships that continue (credit to Lola and Bruce for their efforts to keep everyone connected and communicating from four different states).

Yes... I am grateful for brothers who dwell in unity.

Today, I am grateful for a parent's wish.

The Road Home

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 317: Today, I am grateful for the road home. 

What road are you grateful for today? That was the prompt in the work challenge I am leading today. My earworm started singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and the song remains stuck in my head. There is something about the road home that is always special. I feel it when I leave work every night and when we make a trip back home to Iroquois County.

Route 66 turned 100 on November 11, 2026. One hundred years of family road trips and making memories! Growing up, I did not realize the depth and breadth of Route 66 culture. "The Mother Road" held adventures and the promise of the unknown. There were no Yelp reviews or TripAdvisor apps. People simply gassed up the car and drove. They were not just thinking about the destination; they took delight in the journey.

The Love-of-My-Life and I would rather fly than drive because we don't have extra time away from our jobs. I do look forward to the day when we can truly enjoy traveling without time limits. Still, I know that the only thing better than taking a fun trip is starting the road home. There is nothing like your own house, your own bed, and everything else that is comfortable and familiar.

My earworm has changed songs! BJ Thomas had a song, "Home Where I Belong" that still resonates with my soul.

"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." — John 14:2–3

There is no place like home! The road home is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Today, I am grateful for the road home. 

Food Trucks

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 316: Today, I am grateful for food trucks. 

One of the wonders of modern life is the popularity of food trucks and travel trailers. We have a "Farmer's Market" every Tuesday during the summer. It is mostly a food truck fair each week, but there are also some vegetables, flowers, shops, and honey represented. We try to attend whenever we can to support the efforts of those who work to bring fun things to our little village. It seems to grow a bit each summer. We miss it when it is done for the winter.

In recent years, Morton Public Library's Friday "Groove in the Garden" concerts have included a couple of food trucks, too. If you miss Tuesday, head to Hannah's Garden on Friday night. There is always a little something for everyone, with great music and good food.

This image from "Cottage Whimsy" was posted on Pinterest. It made me laugh. I agree...a fall food truck is a great idea! Honestly, some food trucks are willing to come to local business events, so be sure to give them a call.

I am grateful for the people who bring hot food and beverages, cool treats, baked goods, and unique items to us by way of food trucks. I am also grateful for those who organize the events and coordinate the vendors. Throwing a "party" every week requires work and dedication. Look for opportunities to support these vendors if they are out and about during the fall and winter months.

I wish you a day that includes cozy music, hot soup, warm bread, and your favorite warm beverage. And don't forget food for your soul.

"But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” -Matthew 4:4

Today, I am grateful for food trucks. 

Our Veteran's & The Mayflower Compact

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 315: Today, I am grateful for our veterans and the Mayflower Compact (11/11/1620).

*Historical date note at the bottom of this post.

(Long post warning)

From 1620 to 1776, the land we now call home consisted of colonies under British rule. To think that the Mayflower passengers identified themselves as Saints and Strangers shows that there was diversity from the very start. Hardship bonded them together. Most scholars agree that the Mayflower Compact was an impressive document that influenced the writers of the Constitution of the United States of America. The religious separatists and everyone else came together to establish a framework for living differently, but together in community, under God, and with the opportunity before them.

The Mayflower Compact was signed 406 years ago today at Cape Cod, on November 11, 1620, by forty-one men who, as subjects of King James, combined themselves into a "civill body politick" and promised due obedience to its just and equal laws for the general good of the colony. The Mayflower Compact was not a constitution. Its framework was borrowed from a Puritan church covenant and adapted to a civil situation.

The Pilgrim and Stranger founders were not perfect, but the Compact was based on a Puritan covenant, with its fundamental principles of self-government and common consent. Historians concur that it was an important step in the evolution of democratic government in America. What many do not know is that a covenant includes God as a party to the agreement. If you read the Mayflower Compact, God is included.

If you have followed "Daily Gratitude" for very long, you know my red, white, and blue runs through my veins. I used to lament not having deeper roots in this country. Genealogy research has given me new insight and knowledge. Edward Fuller is my 11th great-grandfather. He signed that Compact. My 11th great-grandmother, Mrs. Edward Fuller, and their son, my 10th great-grandfather John, were there that day, too. He was only twelve. John married Jane Lothrop, and their line married into the Heath, Crippen, Calkins, and St. John families. These names are rich in Revolutionary War history.

Members of that same family tree were Pearl Harbor survivors (Great-Uncle Lloyd, Aunt Emma, and two other St. John cousins). Some were warriors, and others didn't mean to be. My grandmother never talked about her brother's experiences in the war, but my cousin Angie has a piece of jewelry from Grandma Opal Maxine that was often given to sweethearts (or, we believe in this case, little sisters) during the war. I am so grateful she has it and treasures it.

Dad served in the Army between wars. Uncle Mel was in Japan during the Korean War. My sister, April, served in the Air Force at Kadena, Okinawa, Japan, when she died from an undiagnosed heart defect. Dad had several uncles who did not survive WWI. They were lost to illness, not in battle. The Swedish and German immigrants on that side of the family proudly served the country they chose and came to love. They brought family recipes, faith, traditions, and even superstitions, but they gratefully chose a new country, a new language, and a new place to call home. They proudly served in the Armed Forces, at their churches, and in their communities.

Dad never failed to help a veteran if he had the chance or saw one in need. Honestly, our entire rural community embraced our veterans and their families. I do not think I understood how much until I heard some of the stories as an adult. Random acts of kindness, not just today, but every day.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13

Today, I am grateful for our veterans and the Mayflower Compact (11/11/1620).

*Date Note: (November 11, 1620, is the traditional date associated with the signing of the Mayflower Compact. However, the date was recorded using the Julian calendar. The corresponding Gregorian date was November 21, 1620. November 11th is the traditional anniversary.)

Paul's Letters

 

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 314: Today, I am grateful for Paul's letters. 

This passage is one of my forever favorites:

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Paul is writing to people he cares for deeply during times of persecution and uncertainty. He does not know what tomorrow brings but he is 100% sure he knows who holds tomorrow. 

The Love of My Life and I just read "The Greatest Salesman in the Word" by Og Mandino. It was new to him but it has long been a big influence on how I want to live. "I will greet this day with love in my heart." is one of the 10 scrolls in the book. Gratitude and love go together. To wake up and give thanks for a heart that still beats and plenty of purpose to fulfill. 

There are times we walk through seasons that make no sense. Difficulties and discouragement are a part of this world, but we are just passing through. We do not need to have it all or grab it all while we are here. You can look at the front of any magazine and see evidence that wealth, fortune, and fame are fleeting and the "happy" is short-lived and shallow. 

Connections, community, and a call to feed the hungry, help the sick, and shelter those in need is a life-style that leads to a peace, joy, and the kind of wealth that money cannot buy. It only comes when we learn to greet each day with love, prayer, and hope. 

Today, I am grateful for Paul's letters. 

Warm Holiday Beverages

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 313: Today, I am grateful for warm holiday beverages.

There is something about the smell and taste of certain holiday beverages that make us feel cozy and warm no matter the weather. They are the beverages that show up in Hallmark movies, although I feel my favorite wassail has not been given equal time and it is magical. 

I had, what I believe is my first Starbucks Holiday Peppermint Mocha Latte (decaf) on a road trip with the Love-of-My-Life on Saturday. I now understand why it is so loved. Oh my goodness! It was delicious. 

Food traditions are a big part of most family holidays. Wassail was always on the stove at our big Bess Thanksgiving. I have such fond memories of sitting with my nieces to keep watch over the pot, sampling until it was ready. It took a little time, but it was so worth it. It was a favorite of my Aunt Judy Hanson, and this season I will think of her when I start the first pot. 

Our Wassail recipe is my favorite. My Sister-in-Love, Jennifer, asked those making the Central High School Madrigal meal for the recipe and they graciously shared it. That recipe is now deeply woven into Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's for our family. The leftovers are stretched and savored between each holiday. The scent alone says "welcome home."  

CHS Madrigal Wassail
★★★★★
Ingredients

3 quarts 100% Cranberry Juice
4 Quarts 100% Apple Juice
1 Cup Brown Sugar
6-8 Cinnamon Sticks
1 1/2 Tablespoons Cloves (whole or ground)

Directions: Let it come to the bubble before the boil. Simmer together. Serve warm. 

Notes: Save juice bottles for leftovers. Enjoy between the holidays all season long. 

From my Madrigal friends, enjoy the memory. I've had others, but ours is my favorite and it is simple. When you need a taste of the holidays, the local coffee shops and Starbucks are happy to provide some goodness. 

Wassail was served by the Lords and Ladies. It certainly feels rich and royal. I hope you enjoy a pot or two this season. Share it with joy and gratitude. Share it with strangers, family, and friends. I love this reminder to share with those in need:

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ -Matthew 25:34-26

Today, I am grateful for warm holiday beverages.

Slow Down

Daily Gratitude Year 14-Day 312: Today, I am grateful for reminders to slow down.

Earworm started singing the 59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy) by the legendary Simon and Garfunkel. I used it in a gratitude challenge I am currently leading at work, and Earworm is still singing it, even after worship this morning. "Slow down, you move too fast. You gotta make the morning last..."

This complements yesterday's post, but it is not the same. This is not holiday-related. Today is a reminder to look for opportunities to slow down in our ordinary days, from January through December... Sunday through Saturday.

I am grateful for the people, life events, and places that make us slow down and evaluate our priorities. Our message at church this morning was a perfect complement to this thought. The "other things" can become thistles and thorns that keep us from fully living our lives as intended. Let God manage the troubles and trials, and trust in His plan.

We are so blessed by the people in our family whom people the world often misunderstands or underestimates. My Aunt Helen was about 13 when I was born. As a toddler, her brain was impacted by a very high fever associated with spinal meningitis. There is no doubt about her place of honor in our family. Her abilities vary with the task, and she has a remarkable range of things she knows how to do. The things she knows how to do, she does well and wholeheartedly. She loves to play games and was our favorite childhood companion. With her great-nieces and great-nephews, she is equally adored. Aunt Helen never lacks a dance partner at family weddings.

Our family was blessed again when Cousin Molly and her husband, Brian, welcomed their third beautiful daughter, Alyssa. She arrived with Down syndrome. I finally found my picture of Aunt Helen holding her as a baby. It is priceless to me. I remember appreciating that Molly and Brian trusted Aunt Helen to hold her. This picture of Alyssa with her foot in her mouth is one every parent of a child with Down syndrome will appreciate.

Slowing down can mean choosing a French press over a K-cup. It can mean stove tops and crock pots over microwaves. It can be slowing to walk with the elderly, a child, or the health challenged. It is looking with love and humility at those who are "slow" because we have so much to learn from these special people. Those who slow us down often help us see the important, the honest, and the true things around us more clearly. 

This passage is straight from our morning worship. Jesus reminded Martha to slow down and not miss what is important being too busy. 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” – Luke 10:41

There is freedom and "treasure" in slowing down.

Today, I am grateful for reminders to slow down.