The wind rustled the tree limbs,
which made a tapping noise on Annabelle Plattenburg's bedroom
window. It was much cooler than it usually was in November.
A small tinge of light broke over the horizon. It was the day
before Thanksgiving and many things had to be done. Annabelle's
momma was already bustling downstairs trying to get the house
looking proper for the family gathering.
Peek-a-boo, Annabelle's kitten, was walking around on her bed
purring continuously. Annabelle decided it was time to get up
and, taking Peek-a-boo lovingly in her arms, headed down the
stairs. After breakfast she was put to work cleaning everything
her momma directed her to clean. The home had toys strewn here
and there. Will, her 5 year-old brother, decided that the whole
house was his playpen. So, cleaning up after him and finding
a place to go with all his treasures took a while. Mr. Plattenburg
was out tending to the horses and checking on the other animals.
By noonday the home was well-nigh back into order again.
When the evening time came they had most everything done,
and the home was in satisfactory condition. The family, very
tired from a long day's work, retired to their beds. After Annabelle's
prayer to her Lord Jesus, she fell quickly asleep, with little
Peek-a-boo at her side.
The guests arrived early in the afternoon bundled in their
coats and carrying many different kinds of foods. Mr. Plattenburg
tended to the carriages and helped the men get their animals
settled. Annabelle busily helped her momma take the food dishes
to the kitchen. All the family was there; it had been a long
time since they all had been together. The home was warm with
the glow of the fireplace and the love of the family gathered
within the house. Away Annabelle went to the kitchen to get
a drink requested by one of the guests.
As she was preparing the drink she noticed what looked like
four people by the barn. She called her father, who was in the
parlor, and as they both peered out the window they noticed
the family was looking in at the house. Mr. Plattenburg and
two of Annabelle's uncles went out to speak with the family.
As the men approached, the stranger pulled his wife and children
close to his side. The newcomer's name was Amos Holmes. Mr.
Plattenburg convinced the tired family to come in the house.
The children were dressed poorly, yet they were very clean.
The mother's clothing was tattered and worn. Mr. Holmes face
had many wrinkles, his overcoat was somewhat too small and his
boots were well used. The children gazed longingly towards the
Thanksgiving turkey and all the tasty foods.
Annabelle's momma invited them to the table. The unfamiliar
visitors at first declined the invitation but when they looked
into their little one's eyes they could not help but accept.
The children, who were named Elsie and Jonathan, were so excited
to sit at the large table and partake in the delectable feast.
Mr. and Mrs. Holmes described the hardships they had been through,
as Annabelle's large family listened. Annabelle thought to herself
as she watched the little ones eat: She was always in such a
hurry and she never stopped to realize she could be one of those
little children, if it were not for God's grace.
Sitting there she said a silent prayer to her Lord, "Oh
Jesus," she said, "how unthankful I have been. Please
forgive my heart of committing the sin of unthankfulness. Thank
you, Lord, for allowing this family to come to us and for letting
us be blessed by serving them. Lord please provide and protect
them. And if they don't know You as their Lord and Savior please
make a way that we can lead them to You, which would be the
greatest gift of Thanksgiving. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.''
Before the Holmes family went on their way that evening, Annabelle's
prayer was answered. As all of the guests joined hands to pray
for the Holmes family that night, Mr. Holmes asked how he may
receive Christ in his life. So, as they all prayed, Mr. Plattenburg
led Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, as well as little Elsie and Jonathan,
in the prayer of salvation. When the family left the Plattenburg's
home that evening they had a new meaning to Thanksgiving Day.
