I really don’t think anyone has a clue how much I love the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a combination of so many things coming together that fills my heart with anticipation and thanksgiving…
The season of autumn filled with beauty beyond measure.
The quiet and cloudiness of November.
The quiet and the noise of the holiday…roads and stores are quiet…yet, get-togethers are filled with the ‘noise’ of chatting and laughter.
The anticipation of the season of giving that is to come.
The food.
The leftovers. (The original food prep.)
The Macy’s Parade with Tom Turkey reminding us of our heritage as an American as well as our family traditions.
The memories.
The traditions—old and new.
It’s hard to even know where to begin…but then again…it is hard to know where to end. The list goes on and on. It’s a list of not only things that I love about the holiday, but a list of reminders of a life that is beyond blessed and grateful for, not only the actual things, but the realization of what a gift I’ve been given.
The family that God placed me in was by His design. The love along with many traditions that I inherited continue to live on today in recipes and family gatherings during this holiday season. Memories run deep from thinking about my dad doing a little deer hunting on Thanksgiving Day (which was not a common occurrence) to the smell of Mom’s cooking. Now, my kids are raised, and we create new traditions and memories mixed in with many of the old.
We have begun having our Thanksgiving feast a couple of week’s early. This frees the kids up to go to their in-laws if need be, and we can all go to my brother’s house on Thanksgiving night for their annual Christmas lighting and appetizers most years.
With the dinner being early, this year, I (fully) decorated for Christmas earlier than ever that I remember. I have considered it a few times, but usually it never comes to fruition. This year, it happened! I have enjoyed the combination of Christmas along with Thanksgiving still happening. Today (Thanksgiving Day), I fixed a meal for Steve and me, and I incorporated a few Christmas dishes in. It kind of feels like the best of both worlds. I did have to remind myself (at first) to still tell people Happy Thanksgiving. Just because we had already had our dinner didn’t mean everyone else had…or that the holiday had passed.
I have so-so many things to be thankful for. Life isn’t always perfect, but we must be careful not to let the imperfections steal our joy and take our focus from the good that we have been given. I don’t want to take any of it for granted.
In thinking about this season of giving thanks, I was reminded of the scripture that talks about the tongue and how that blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth. I’m thinking that the same should be true about giving thanks and complaining.
“Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”
James 3:9-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.9-10.NLT
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Philippians 2:14-15 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.2.14-15.NLT
These things aren’t always easy to master, but “with God nothing is impossible.” [Luke 1:37]. I find that focusing on the negative brings down our spirits. The funny thing is that an attitude of negativity also affects others around us. However, an attitude of gratitude can entirely change our perspective and lift our spirits and those around us. For example…
Today, Steve felt he needed to take care of a job situation because of the cold weather. It took way longer than expected. So, the day didn’t go exactly as I had planned for the two of us. I was a little miffed about it, but I could also see that I was able to enjoy some quiet time and rest after cooking…and after a couple of very busy days. Would I have preferred he didn’t have to? Yes…for him and me. But I didn’t want to let it ruin my day….steal my focus or my joy. I had anticipated this day and was so very ready for it. Did I handle it perfectly? No, but much better than my past self might have. He’s home. He’s safe. And, he’s alive. [Movie reference from “Girl’s Just Wanna Have Fun”]. We had our little feast (while watching a Christmas movie!). We aren’t mad at each other. We are grateful and blessed.
As the Christmas season is upon us, may we continue celebrating with thankful hearts, shine our lights bright, and walk away from each encounter leaving a sparkle of hope behind.
“In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.” ~Brennan Manning
““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.16.ESV
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 