.png)
CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
The Thanksgiving holiday prompts mental pictures of family, food and tradition. While the American holiday is tied uniquely to our history, God knows we need a time to gather and reflect.
I’m rearranging the order of the words, and today I suggest we give thanks.
Always give thanks to God the Father for each other. (Ephesians 5:20) You are my God, and I will give You thanks. (Psalm 118:28) I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. (Psalm 111:1; Psalm 86:12) In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) The biblical list could go on and on, but I want to propose an occasion for individuals to share their personal reasons to give thanks — and even young children can participate.
Review time since last Thanksgiving: How will this gathering be similar? What has changed? Can you specifically thank God about these changes? What specific thing, person or event can you express gratitude for?
In the year gone by, regardless of changes or loss, God will help us find a grateful heart.
Holiday meals are a highlight. They require hours of preparation or even days of work, yet eating happens quickly and soon everyone is ready for dessert. Maybe this would be a good time for sharing, while people are still around the table and everyone can share one reason to give thanks.
My family has done this in years gone by, and it’s always heartwarming and sometimes very comical, especially as the younger ones participate.
The Thanksgiving holiday prompts many good emotions — joy, expectation, hope — yet some gatherings hint of anxiety, sorrow or grief. What a broad spectrum we face, and sometimes many differing emotions are present within the same gathering.
If your family has experienced grief and loss, you might also consider a specific time to acknowledge that loss — to speak of the person or persons that are heavy on your heart. Share sweet memories. Say their name.
Acknowledge the elephant in the room, the empty chair, and include a specific time to thank God for those you love, be they present or passed.
Change is one thing we can absolutely depend upon.
Honor your traditions and create new ones. Tweek your expectations, and above all, give thanks with a grateful heart. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
