“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalms 100:4-5)
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends! Today many of us will be gathering with family and friends around a table of to feast on the goodness God has provided for us. Probably most will be in a private home or maybe in a rented space, some may be at a church gathering or setting, a few many be gathered in a shelter or soup kitchen. No matter the setting, today we are thankful for our nation and for the God Who watches over us daily.
Today is a day when we, as a nation, take time to gather and share how good God has been to us. We recount our blessings, we share family stories, we laugh, we may secretly mourn at those who are no longer with us. We pass on family history and legends as the older ones tell their stories, we get to know each other a little bit better. We watch the parades on television, cheer on our favorite football teams, and take naps when the turkey kicks in.
Among all the celebrations and craziness, hopefully we celebrate God and His ever-presence in our daily lives – not just today, but every day. It is important to pass on this part of our stories as well to the younger generations. I can still vividly remember sitting at the kids table in grandpa and grandma’s bedroom – off to the side, away from all the grownups around the big table. I can remember hearing all the clutter and clatter as the women-folk got everything prepared, finally sending out the call that dinner was ready – “Come and get it!” After the initial rush as we all got our food and settled into our chairs, the conversation became a steady hum of stories, teasing, and laughter. It was a relaxed time of fellowship amongst the family. We kids would hope for the chance to one day get to sit at the big table – not knowing the cost of that desire. All too soon the picture faded as, one by one, the adults began to pass away. Before we had the opportunity to join that scene, it faded. Grandpa and grandma passed on and slowly the family drifted apart.
The same is true with our church family and friends. The dynamics of their relationships, however, may be different but every bit as enriching and intertwining. We may not have the same backgrounds but we have the same bloodline – that of Jesus Christ. As fellow believers we gather around the table as family under the fatherhood of God. It has been said that you can learn a lot about someone by sharing a meal with them. Somehow food and that intimate time of being together drops some of the walls for just a few moments and we get to know more about the person sitting across from us at the table. There is something about a church carry-in dinner that unites us as one. We are giving of ourselves to each other from what we have. Thanksgiving is a particularly warm and bonding time amongst us. Often this is where new members are introduced to the family – a new girlfriend or boyfriend, a new baby, or maybe a new friend that has nowhere to go. Thus the circle grows a little bit each time.
As you gather today, make memories. For some, this may be their last Thanksgiving to share with their loved ones – either expected or unexpected. Take the time to make everyone aware of your love for them. Make those connections, hear their stories – even if you could tell it by heart, listen as if for the first time. Maybe if there’s room, let one of the “littles” come in and sit with the big folks. Make the stranger feel welcome. Open your hearts to each other. Love one another – if only for today.
May your turkey be perfectly browned and juicy, may your potatoes and gravy not be lumpy, and may the marshmallows perfectly crown the sweet potato casserole. And may your favorite pie have just one more slice just for you.
Be blessed.
コメント