November includes many great days to celebrate. Besides two of my new favorites, Tongue Twister Day and National Geography Day, we’ll enjoy Thanksgiving, our best-loved American family holiday.
This year my thoughts turn to British author Dorothy Sayers, a Church of England pastor’s daughter who graduated in the first class of women to attend Oxford University and afterward supported herself by writing advertising and jingles. In addition, she wrote successful mystery stories and then penned The Man Born to be King, a wonderful drama cycle on the life of Jesus.
Starting December 21st, 1941, its twelve plays presenting His birth, death, and resurrection were broadcast on the radio by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to encourage the nation and troops during WWII. (I’d like to see governments sponsor such broadcasts today.) One college I taught in adapted and presented several segments of her plays with great success—highly recommended. Sayers was colorful and likable. She adopted porcupines. I make porcupine quill jewelry without harming the animals—she and I would have gotten along great.
She was friends and critique partners with Christian authors C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. I love her words here, “Work is not, primarily a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do . . . the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental, and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God.” (Create p. 51) For me that includes teaching and writing. For finding purpose and fulfillment in both, I am very thankful.
Another thing I’m grateful for in 2022 is my new 7th dual-chamber pacemaker that doctors say should give me another twelve and a half years. The Lord orders our days but I believe those who survive any major accident or health crisis gain a fresh sense of purpose. I’m glad for mine. During this holiday take time to prayerfully focus on your life gifts and goals. More are achievable than you think and are worth your invested time and energy.
Wherever and however you spend Thanksgiving, and no matter what’s on your menu, here’s wishing you an extra happy and meaningful time enjoyed with friends and loved ones.
Loved your comments in the above “Bouquet of Thanks”. !!!!!! I enjoy reading everything you share!! God gave you a beautiful talent and one with which you have blessed many (including me). May you continue to use that talent to bless many more!!
Love, Mary
Thank you. I so appreciate you following and commenting. I always love hearing from you AND you and Wayne and family!