Thanksgiving is full of traditions, hospitality and family.  Every year I walk through the grocery isles deciding on name brands or generic, two boxes or three and perhaps a turkey or ham.  These decisions come every year and every year I end up with the same thing regardless of my desire to change things up a bit… because of the traditions in my family in the past.  Planning a meal for Thanksgiving can be fun and stressful at the same time.  To me, it’s worth it!

It’s when I’m shopping not just for Thanksgiving dinner but for every meal that I’m reminded that I’m fortunate to have so many choices to pick from and that I have that kind of stress vs. other kinds of stress.  You see, for most it’s a wonderfully warm time of year.  But for others, it’s a sad reminder of what they don’t have.  I’ve grown to appreciate what I have in the way of food and family realizing that it can be taken away at any moment.  So to have a deeper appreciation for what I have, I spend a few minutes to reflect on what I am thankful for and suddenly my list is endless.

Most important to me is family.  Some people don’t have anyone to share the holidays with.   The homeless eat what they can find, sleep where it’s dry and wear what is cleanest.  This year, as in years past, I will give what I can in time, energy and non-perishables hoping that one day those less fortunate than me.  I pray that one day they will be able to overcome their ‘series of unfortunate events’ and have enough to give to others too.  This year when my children are with their dad for the holidays, I will know they are being loved as much as they are with me.  I wonder it it’s like that in other blended families and if it’s not, I pray for them to have peace in their hearts.  This year if I meet people who have no one to share a meal with, I will invite them to eat with our family knowing that everyone is family in the eyes of the Lord.  This year, I’m going to choose to focus on the positive and be aware of the negative.  This year, I won’t focus on what I can do to impress others but rather what can I do to impress the Lord so that ‘at the end of the day’ when posed with the question ‘What have you done with what I’ve given you,’ I will have an answer that is pleasing to his ear.  I will say I have loved when I felt I had nothing to offer, given when I have had little and been faithful in all circumstances beyond my control.  I’m thankful for memories, tradition and truth in the knowledge of Jeremiah 29:11.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Be truly thankful this year for what you have and who you are.