Thoughts for November

Last night I had the best time at RS enrichment meeting. The theme was "Christ Through the Holidays". It was so great to be together and laugh and share. As I was practicing the opening hymn this week (For The Beauty of Earth #92) I was really touched by the words in the third verse:

"For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild,

Lord of all, to the we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise."

I was particulary moved by the phrase: "Friends on earth and friends above."

I first thought "I am so thankful for you, my friends! You are all so wonderful!!!"

Then I thought about the second part of the phrase--"friends above". I wondered to myself how many friends do I have cheering me on from the other side of the veil? I wondered if the choices I make each day give them the hope that their efforts are helpful to me. I secretly hoped that I hadn't disappointed some of them with my actions. I thought about how we never know how many people are on the other side helping us to fight our battles.

November is a month where we focus on our blessings because of the Thanksgiving holiday. I want each of you to know that as I count my blessings this month, you are included. You inspire and strengthen me in ways that are hard to express. To all my friends on earth and my friends above thank you for your love, support and friendship.