Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . It’s November, the month of Thanksgiving. I was young, only married a year, when my first husband left. When I told my mother, she cradled my hands in her own and said, “Peggi, we’re supposed to thank God in all things.” Then, she prayed and thanked God. Definitely not the reaction I expected!  God had prepared my mother's heart. She had been reading a book on praise and thanksgiving. [1]  I felt immense relief at her reaction. Even a bit hopeful. And I sure did love my mom in that moment. She taught me the power of giving thanks . . . in all circumstances . Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NLT   A thankful person is conscious of a benefit received. [2] Everything we have—life, breath, strength—are God’s gifts. [3] Let’s recognize them and be grateful. It’s easy to give thanks for good things—sunshine, friends,...

Welcome to  Real Life . Earlier this month, I was out walking. The cold wind hit my face. Without thinking, I quoted the opening lines of a poem my mother used to say, “Blow, blow, thou winter wind. Thou art not so unkind as man's ingratitude.” –William Shakespeare   She memorized it in high school. For some reason, it stuck. On a cold winter day, when the wind hit her face, the words resurrected from her memory. Last Christmas with Mom 2011 My mother was known for her grateful heart. It’s funny, I never connected it to Shakespeare’s words … that is, until now. For, a few minutes after saying the lines myself, my thoughts turned towards Thanksgiving. It’s November, after all. Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude. After the pilgrim’s first winter in Plymouth (1620-21), two-thirds of their number died of starvation and disease. One year later, at fall harvest, Governor William Bradford called for a special celebration to thank God for his provision of food, she...