I remember some wonderful childhood Thanksgivings. We would have an informal church service in the morning, with some people coming in their deer hunting clothes! There was a time of testimonies of thanksgiving, singing, 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 us 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 that hill 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 like pie, coffee and stories. This missionary was named George, and when his piece of pumpkin pie was placed in front of him, he reached for the saltshaker and sprinkled salt all over his piece of 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 doctor 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 over 50 years ago…There might be a few families where things have remained close to the same over the years, but eventually things do change.
At this time of year-especially, we usually hear “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18…In everything…really? The answer would be yes, but we certainly don’t have to be thankful for the broken, sinful world that caused the painful situation we might be dealing with-especially if it’s a permanent empty chair for the first time this year.
It might take some time and work, and it’s 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…..
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