For what we are about to receive....

In The Sound of Music (the movie), on Maria's first night with the von Trapp's, the entire family is seated for dinner. She asks the Captain if he has forgotten something, and he very sheepishly realizes that they have failed to say grace before the meal. She offers this prayer: "For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful."

So I had that thought in my head today -- it's so very easy for me to be thankful for everything I have received already. What about being grateful for those things to come, both expected and unexpected, planned and unplanned blessings? What is to come for me in the next few days, weeks, and months for which I am to express my gratitude?

• The bountiful fall harvest: I have already purchased the first of the apples for the fall (a nice half-peck bag of honeycrisps). On my trip to the farmer's market Saturday, I noticed the bulb & root vegetables on sale: potatoes, onions, the last of the summer squashes and just a few of the fall/winter ones to come. I am already perusing the fall soup/stew recipes and am gleefully anticipating making those (along with the summer vegetable soups I have already put in the freezer).
• The workload over the next few months: I know, that sounds totally odd, doesn't it? I'm already thinking I've got more on my plate already than I can say grace over, and you want me to what? But I realize what a blessing it is to have work, to be busy and to have a place to go each day -- especially when so many do not.
• The beautiful fall weather: Mornings are already getting to be nice and crisp! Love it, love it, love it. Autumn is my very favorite season. Although I am no fan of cold weather, there's something about the dormancy that appeals to me. That nature is resting up to start all over again with the beauty of spring and the bounty of summer and fall. And the preparation that nature does in autumn is a balm to the soul. There is something soothing about knowing that the universe keeps right on schedule, even if human life seems to be crazy.
  
• FOOTBALL! 'Nuff said. With apologies to Ben Franklin, it is Football (and not beer) which is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy. Of course, combined with beer, I suppose it's just a double happiness (if you're a beer fan). I'll take a Woodchuck, please.
• The upcoming women's retreat: I'm on the retreat team for a women's retreat in 2 weekends at church. I am really excited about what is in store for not just the women making the retreat, but all of us who have bonded since our own weekend to present this for these women.
  

So what are you about to receive in the few weeks to come? Are you truly ready to be thankful for all that comes your way?