It’s Thanksgiving Eve
And all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a –
Wait! That doesn’t quite work for the night before Thanksgiving, now does it?
On the night before Thanksgiving, there’s plenty a stirring going on! There’s stirring of dust as you’re frantically cleaning. There’s stirring of batter, pumpkin purée, sauces and all sorts of yummy creations for the Thanksgiving feast. There’s stirring of refrigerator space as you’re struggling to make room for just one more casserole, and there’s even a bit of stirring of your sanity as you ask yourself why you keep doing all this work every year!
Is it worth it?
I don’t know. I don’t do it! Hahahahaha!
I’m sorry. (Hehehe!) That was wrong. (Hehe!)
But the meme floating around out there is absolutely true. My family has accepted my lack of culinary skills; therefore, my contributions to Thanksgiving dinner are the rolls and the drinks. Oh, and the green bean casserole because that requires no skill whatsoever!
Don’t worry, though, my lack of contributions on the front end is fully compensated by my active participation in the aftermath. Isn’t that how it should be?
After all of these blessings:
1. A mother who lovingly prepares Thanksgiving dinner for her children and grandchildren, even if she isn’t feeling well, even when the kitchen is too hot from all the cooking, even when she’s been hinting that one of her children with more space ought to offer to host Thanksgiving next year (She has six kids. There’s no way she could be talking about me! 😉 )
2. Mom’s homemade dressing
3. and squash casserole
4. and sweet potato casserole
5. and pumpkin pie (I should probably move on from the menu items, shouldn’t I?)
6. A father who lovingly helps rearrange the furniture to accommodate “the gathering”, who always reminds his family to be thankful and who always points us to the One who is the Giver of our blessings
How could I not jump in and help with the dishes, put away leftovers and straighten up the kitchen to show my gratitude?
Yep. Thanksgiving is more than simply giving our thanks to God for the blessings He bestows. It’s also showing our gratitude to family, friends, co-workers and even strangers who bless us along our journey to Joy.
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 NLT
Remember to show your gratitude to those around you. The joy it brings to your soul is incomparable!
A Couple of Stars and a Happy Face 