As I write this column, Leslie and I are traveling with a large group of pilgrims from North Texas on the Lands of the Bible cruise.

We are having a great experience visiting the places where Paul and Barnabas preached and the places where Jesus walked and taught.

Today, we are traveling east from the port of Haifa headed to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus spent 2 1/2 years of his short public ministry. As an avid fisherman and outdoors-man, I can see why Jesus called fishermen to become his disciples and why he spent so much time in this beautiful area. Not much has changed in the landscape for over 2,000 years. On the way, we are passing by Nazareth, where Jesus grew up helping Joseph in his carpentry shop.

The Rev. Sam Caldwell, NTC member of the Lands of the Bible cruise, attempts to ride a camel at the pyramids in Egypt.

As I reflect on these experiences, I cannot help but be thankful for the great blessing of God. The season of Thanksgiving is here, and many of us will celebrate with family and friends. One of the traditions in the Bledsoe family is to join together for the family prayer prior to the meal. Usually, the head of the household or the eldest family member will offer the prayer. Before the family prayer, we join hands in a big circle and, one by one, share with each other a short phrase about what we are thankful to God for.

Although there are many things spoken, the No. 1 response will be "family!" Family and community are important blessings in our lives. I am thankful for our North Texas Conference family! We are very diverse, but we are united by our common belief in Jesus Christ, our mission and our love for one another. This Thanksgiving season, let us focus on the things that unite us and enable us to become one in Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, "If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care, then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends." (Philippians 2:1,2 MSG)

May you experience the joy of Thanksgiving as you join together for prayer and a meal.