Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
The beautiful leaves are falling as the weather turns colder. Thanksgiving is upon us and winter is approaching quickly. I watch the squirrels work hard to prepare for the cold snowy season and reflect on so many traditions that take place this time of year. I would like to share my thoughts with you about the many traditions and the season of Thanksgiving.
Every year my family goes to our lake home in Indiana for Thanksgiving. We enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace and reminiscing about what has occurred during the past year and feasting on a wonderful traditional dinner with turkey and all the assortments. Dinner would not be complete without pumpkin pie with whipped cream and sipping coffee. The rest of the day is spent watching football.
The remainder of the Thanksgiving weekend, I address several hundred Christmas cards with a special message written in each. It is my way of saying “thank you” for your friendship and how important you are to me. The Friday after Thanksgiving, Anita and I also write our annual Christmas letter that is sent out to many. Traditions make Thanksgiving so special.
However, I believe Thanksgiving is so much more than traditions and remembering the pilgrims. It is also a time to Thank God for all that he has done for us throughout the past year.
Life seems to be so much more complicated for all of us. Depression and suicide are on the rise, especially among young people. Our government is so divided that nothing gets done in Congress except for trying to prove who is right or wrong. There is no question that we all need to Thank God for being there with us in the good and bad times.
After I left our lake home last Thanksgiving and gave a talk at a local church I became very sick. I was in bed for almost 8 months—from December to August. I had two major surgeries and almost died on Christmas Eve at Henry Ford Hospital from acute respiratory distress caused by an antibiotic that I had been taking for 2 weeks.
During those 8 months, I had difficulty finding God. I kept reaching out to Him but it did not appear He was there. I just could not understand. He was there for me holding my hand and talking with me during my time of paralysis from my go-kart racing accident in 2001.
Why not this time? I so much wanted to talk with Him but He was not responding.
In reality, He was always there. Instead of holding my hand and talking with me, he sent angels to be with me. I just could not see them. I was looking for God but could not see the angels. As I look back, I am so very thankful to so many during that difficult time.
God promised us His love and grace would always be sufficient no matter what our difficulties are. Just look at Saint Paul’s life and why thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have been attributed to him.
We have so much to be thankful for my friends. During good or bad times, life’s ups or downs, health or sickness, we shall always have gratitude especially for Jesus and his angels!
Have a very blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Love, David
Dr. Wolf, I have not been through as much as you however, I know the feeling of god not listening so I thought. But, when I had my miscarriage you were the angel that was sent my way. Our talk after the loss helped me to realize it wasn’t my fault it was just a sign that perhaps it would have been more than I could handle at the time. And 9 months later I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. And then 21 months later a handsome baby boy. And all 3 times you were there with words of encouragement and blessings. For that I will be forever grateful and thankful for you. Love, Carrie
Dear Carrie, So nice to hear from you. I hope all is better with you now. Stop by and see me sometime!
Cousin Dave, I did not know of your terrible, difficult year. I am grateful you are still with us, I pray God bless this year and that it is a wonderful year of opening doors and revealing his best on you and Anita. Know you are loved inspite of time and distance. Cousin Mike
Dear Mike, Thank you so much for your comments. They mean a lot to me. I hope all is well with you and your family. Love you!
Thank you for your message. Praying for you and Anita as you close the year of 2019.
May the new year find you healthier than you have been in awhile. May God use you in a special way to bless others. Love and prayers,
Cousin Claudia
Dear Claudia, Thank you so much for taking time to read my Thanksgiving message. I hope all is well with you. I think of you often. Love you!
Amen David! Thank you for allowing God to use you to Witness for Him. I too, know that everyday is “Thanksgiving Day”, because of how Awesome and Astonishing our God is. One only needs to open our eyes to the wonders he performs in our lives and of those around us (Especially those like yourself who are not ashamed to be transparent.) each and every day. I’ve learned that the biggest storms in my life have brought the most compelling evidence of His love for me. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV. This verse says it All, to me. One of my most precious gifts from God is the Fellowship I am privileged to experience. From my family and sister-friends with whom I communicate daily, to saints like yourself who I’m blessed to see on occasion. God is Good!
Valerie, Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Happy New Year!