My husband and I saw A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, the new Tom Hanks movie about Fred Rogers. I was telling Jim what I planned to blog about this week when he got a sheepish look on his face. 

Apparently, after thirty-nine years of marriage, we tend to think the same thoughts quite often. His article about the movie was already written and scheduled to go out on Monday morning.

At first I was disappointed. I had planned a great Thanksgiving blog for my readers. But, then I decided to see my dilemma through Mr. Rogers’ eyes. Jim wrote a great article about the amazing life of a man that many of us have enjoyed through the years. If he already wrote about it, then I don’t need to. 

On this busy Thanksgiving week, I will just spend time writing my to-do lists instead! 

Mr. Rogers once said, “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and receiver.” 

So, Jim gave a “valuable” article about Mr. Rogers, and I want to make sure you receive it! Jim provided me some extra time in my busy week and I’m going to receive that as my gift. For thirty-nine years, he has been my closest neighbor and I’m thankful that God “connects us.” 

Listen to Mr. Rogers

I was telling someone at church about the movie and the blog I planned to write about Mr. Rogers. She reminded me of the moment at the Emmy Awards when Mr. Rogers received his Lifetime Achievement Award. Excitedly, I told her that I would put that in my blog post. 

I was relaying that conversation with Jim when the sheepish look appeared on his face. He had already embedded the video in his article. 

So, just in case you don’t have time to read Jim’s article, I want all of you to take time to watch the video. 

Look for “extra-special meaning” this Thanksgiving

One of the quotes Fred Rogers was known for is something all of us should consider as we step into this busy, wonderful holiday season. Mr. Rogers said, “How many times have you noticed that it’s the little quiet moments in the midst of life that seem to give the rest extra-special meaning?”   

It’s a busy time of the year and a special time for our souls. Let’s begin the holiday season in the best possible way by celebrating all that we are truly thankful for. 

Take some time to “be still” and know that he is God. Take time to “give thanks in all circumstances” because you know that God’s will is always for your eternal good in Christ Jesus. 

And, know that I give thanks for all of you who read and share in this ministry God has called us to. 

Thanks for being “my neighbor” now and, one day, on those golden streets in heaven. Imagine the time when every day is always “a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”  

We have a LOT to be thankful for this week. My blog post is done, and I’m going to write my grocery list now! 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18