Once again we made it to Thanksgiving week! Many people say that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday of the whole year……But I think it will be a little (or a lot) different for most of us this year…..because of COVID.
I remember some wonderful childhood Thanksgivings. We would have an informal church service in the morning, usually a time of testimonials of “Thanksgiving”, plus a short message from a guest speaker. Then when we arrived home and walked in the front door, we were greeted with the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven!
Over the next few hours as the other foods were prepared, it would make the “smells of Thanksgiving“ complete! As other relatives and guests arrived, the dining room table filled up and the younger kids had a great time just behind at the kitchen table.
There were a few times when an early snowfall provided a wonderful afternoon of outdoor fun! We would ride toboggans and sleds down the big hill—just across the road from our house. It was a big, steep hill, so once we had some ”paths” made, you could really “get-up” some speed going down that hill! (But the long walk back up got a little slower each time!)
One Thanksgiving evening a missionary couple stopped by to visit my parents and have some pie and coffee. (Every time I see pumpkin pie I remember this story) Everyone except the missionaries, my parents and myself had left the table (I remained because I liked pie, coffee and stories!) This missionary was named George, and when his piece of pie was placed in front of him, he reached for the salt shaker and sprinkled salt all over his pumpkin pie! (I just stared in amazement and thought…what a way to ruin a piece of pie!) I could tell my father noticed it as well and he said: “George, what are you going to do when the Dr tells you to stop eating salt?” George thought for a moment and replied: “I‘ll quit eating pumpkin pie.”
Those are just a few of my memories from 50 years ago or more….. There might be a few families where things have remained close to the same, but eventually they do change.
And this year it seems like most people are dealing with at least some sort of “change”. Either with a much smaller gathering or putting it off completely for now.
At this time of year-especially, we usually hear: “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 …..In everything…..really? I guess it would be yes-but, because we certainly don’t have to be thankful for the broken, sinful world that caused the situation we are dealing with—especially if it’s a permanent empty chair for the first time this year.
It might take some work and it’s a little different for everyone, but God does comfort and heal the broken-hearted. Even when my own Faith was weak and I felt like I was broken….He promised and proved He would never leave me or forsake me. I’m thankful!
”Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NLT)
I have a lot to be thankful for….. We all do…..
Till Next Time…..
