WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 THANKSGIVING EVE

TOMORROW IS THANKSGIVING DAY (so that makes today “Thanksgiving Eve”).

Here is a story from the Internet about Thanksgiving

Something strange happened when I was 14 years old. Every previous year on Thanksgiving Day, I'd woken up early, filled with excitement, unable to wait for the turkey and gravy, stuffing and greens, pumpkin pie with pecans, and my grandma's famous cheesecake.

But this Thanksgiving, I couldn't find the magic anymore. For some reason, the holiday seemed fake. I suddenly felt like Thanksgiving was a big lie. I saw no reason to celebrate.

As my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma started to arrive carrying plates of food, bread baskets, and egg nog pitchers, I grew increasingly angry and frustrated. I realized that none of them were thankful. The whole thing was a lie!

I left when my mom called for everyone to take their seats for dinner. I ran into the guest room where no one would look and collapsed against the futon, crying. I was defiant because I wanted to be an honest person, but I realized that Thanksgiving was inauthentic. It didn't feel right to participate.

My mom worried that I was absent from the table, came to see what was wrong. 'No one is really thankful!' I sobbed, 'They just pretend for one day because that's what you're supposed to do!'

My mom sat beside me on the futon and listened wisely until I was done. Then she nodded. 'You're right,' she told me, 'it's fake until you find the truth for yourself.' She said it was my choice whether to celebrate with them or not. She said Thanksgiving was a time to reflect because we don't always get to see loved ones and eat a good meal. Then she left.

I didn't listen to her. I was convinced that every holiday was a hoax and that I could never find joy in celebrating again. But I was also starving and had to eat something, so after a few minutes, I returned to the dining room.

And I couldn't believe what I saw.

Waiting for me, with broad smiles, was my entire extended family and a table covered with untouched plates. At first, I was confused. I wondered why no one was digging into their carefully constructed meals.

That's when I noticed that everyone was looking at me with concern.

'Andy,' my aunt said, 'We can't eat without you. It's your turn.'

Suddenly, I realized they wanted me to participate in the tradition of going around the table and sharing what made us all thankful. I didn't know what to say, but I had to say something.
Finally, I said I was thankful for having a younger brother to teach, play with, and see him grow older and more mature.

The family shared, and everyone had something beautiful to say. Listening, I suddenly understood what my mom meant about needing to come up with my own reason for celebrating. This holiday was a chance to pause and reflect on everything I cared about. That was worth celebrating.

And with that, I took a huge and satisfying bite of food.

*****

Hey friends, THANKSGIVING is much more (an infinite amount more) than food.  It might be a mother (and father) who has had three miscarriages rejoicing over a happy, healthy baby. It might be a farmer standing in his drought-ridden field crying happy tears over the gentle rain soaking into the ground.  It might be a worker (professor, accountant, builder, etc) being honored with a special reward (Outstanding teacher, etc.).

I often quote 1 Thessalonians 5:18: " Give thanks in everything; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  

Thanksgiving is a positive attitude - always upbeat and loving.  

There might be days when my halo slips a little, but … thanksgiving (and love) has to RULE in my heart and mind!!!f

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 27, 2024