Dear Spiritual Sister,
It is time for Thanksgiving and preparations are underway! How do you spend Thanksgiving? Do you tend to be more traditional with a large meal surrounded by family and friends? Do you prefer something smaller in scale with just a few folks around? What about the food? Depending on a family’s heritage or cultural background, Thanksgiving is spent in unique ways.
Some families like to stay traditional with Turkey, cornbread dressing, candied yams, mac and cheese, etc. Others take an entirely different approach and put new spins on traditional Thanksgiving food. Whatever your preference is for Thanksgiving meals, make sure you enjoy what you eat and how you spend your time. Make sure you are with people who are important to you, and try to be there for someone else who could use a little extra love on Thanksgiving.
Nowadays, my husband and I enjoy Thanksgiving on a smaller scale. We cook our traditional meal at home with the kids. If we are fortunate, a couple of family members will be with us, too. After our bellies are full, and we have taken the infamous “after-Thanksgiving-meal nap,” we still venture out to visit family and friends nearby. We cannot turn down invitations if we have time for more family and room for more good food, right?
While I am ecstatic to see family I have not seen in quite some time or visit with friends, I still remember those who are no longer with us. I think about how grateful I am to have been blessed with a circle of family and friends who were a light to me and have gone on to be with the Lord. I still have joy knowing I am comforted by those who remain with me today. Laughter, reminiscing, gratefulness, love, and time with loved ones is what Thanksgiving embodies. To me, the food just makes it all the better!
While some of us are fortunate to have extravagant meals and gather around people we love, not everyone has the same opportunity. Many people work through the holidays, and others cannot plan extravagant meals or travel due to unique circumstances. Some of the elderly do not have loved ones close with whom they can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. My mother had a huge heart for the elderly population. She made certain to prepare plates for elderly people she knew did not have family nearby and made her rounds. Oftentimes, I was with her! The joy of making someone else's day blessed me. It is amazing what a little visit and food can do.
In Paul’s instructions to the church of Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 5, he describes that we do not know the day when the Lord will return. He describes how those in Christ are “children of light.” We should encourage each other and support each other. He goes on to say in verse 16 that we should always be joyful, pray continuously, and “give thanks in all circumstances” because this is God’s will for those who serve the Lord. In this reading, Paul also speaks on love, doing what is right in the eyes of God, and living in peace with one another. Paul's charge is simple, yet fascinating. God is so faithful. He is a God who provides for you, and he can provide for others through your faithfulness to him. God's church, in Christ Jesus, is powerful. You, friend, are part of the church.
Call to Action:
I ask you to reflect on all the things you are grateful for today. List them. Write down at least 10 things for which you can praise God. Don't feel like writing? Simply think and reflect. While Satan tries to cloud us with seeds of doubt, fear, and loneliness, God wants us to focus on our blessings. We have to remind our younger generation that God reigns supreme, not the world. We also have to be there for our elders who have walked with God, trusted God, and could use some more love today as they have lost loved ones along the way. God is good, and you are his vessel, a light in the world. Let him use you.
If you are able, bless someone or a family with love this Thanksgiving. A phone call, text message, or meal drop-off would mean the world to a person or family who is isolated or feels forgotten on Thanksgiving Day. Let them know you care. The little things matter. Pray that God will allow you to be blessed and bless somebody else this Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy fun, laughter, love, and gratefulness. Happy Turkey Day, Sis!
Your Sister,
Valeece
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