Thanksgiving Shoes

It’s oh-so easy to get swept into the current of the culture and lose sight of the deep meaning of Thanksgiving.  Somehow our traditional holiday has been hijacked by relentless commercialism and busyness.  And for some, it will be another added stress of fussing and contemplated drama while on the heels of a heated election that has caused division in our nation and within our families.

And gratitude is on hold.

The election is over, but the repercussions are rumbling through families as they foresee an uncomfortable holiday interrupted by gripes instead of grace.

And there’s no time for thanks at Thanksgiving.

So what do we do to redirect the conversation from touchy table talk?  Just that.  Redirect.

Scripture tells us to give thanks in every circumstance.  Even in the rough and raw places that get scarred with too much life.  And why?  Because feeling and expressing appreciation is good for us and for others –  it reminds us how much we have.

Compassion overrides complaints when we step into another’s shoes (or heart) and recognize that many will not have a Rockwell picture-perfect holiday.  And suddenly opinions and views become unimportant.

Within this past week I’ve heard from those who will not have family members coming to their holiday dinner due to post election arguments – sad.  And then there are those with blended families who won’t have their children at their table – sad.  Also, a diagnosis that changed the course of a week to an uncertain future. And there are those who’ve suffered loss whose loved one will only be a memory in an empty chair – sad.

So many things in life cannot be controlled, but the power of gratitude can shift our attitude.

Life is swift – so may we cherish the moment.

There is reason for gratitude when we sift through the rubble on the broken path and find jewels of sovereignty to help us take another step. (Crumbs Along the Broken Path 2014).

And so, I am most thankful for God’s provision of family and friends who stepped into familiar shoes to walk alongside of me in a year of challenge and transition.  My prayer for you, and for me, is that we will be encouraged with the good things and enter into the spirit of the season with grateful hearts.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and for His wondrous works.  Psalm 107