Like many families with grown children, Thanksgiving and Christmas are celebrated with Sam and me on alternate years. I’ve never minded this yearly pattern. Why? Well, one reason is that, in marriage, my children chose so well, and we always appreciate that they will be with other loving family members.
Plus, I suffer from Turkey Preparation Anxiety. Therefore, in the years when no turkey is required (by me), there is a sense of reprieve. This year, a Thanksgiving “away” year, we’ve been given a warm Texas welcome by my husband’s nephew, Daniel, his wife, Andria, and their sweet family. We will, I understand, enjoy a big, flavorful Texas-style turkey to be brought by another family member, and for which I shall give especial thanks that it required no nervous effort from me.
The following post is a favorite of mine, so, with a few additional thoughts, I’m taking the liberty of sharing it again.
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How long since that first Thanksgiving? 404 years. Wow. Just think of all those calories.
This holiday is uniquely American in its foods and traditions. And what is its hallmark? Why, family, of course.
So here are a few things to think about as you sit at the table surrounded by the people you love. Or maybe, shall we say, just tolerate.
- Family is a Divine construct. It was conceived by God, designed by God, and, indeed, commanded by God. Go forth and multiply. Adam and Eve decided to obey this time and got busy as instructed.
- Strife in families has been present from the beginning. This is an unfortunate (i.e., terrible) fact. The enemy has always had the family in his crosshairs. Why? He understands the power of blood and love.
- Family is the incubator of character. Here, children should learn how to live and how to conduct themselves properly with other human beings. The family unit is meant to be the foundation of a civil society. More importantly, it is a type of the Church in the loving care of its members—the meaning of “is” here, I confess, is hopeful.
- That being said, it should also be a place where we learn how to resolve our differences without killing each other in the field. Our history together and our regard for one another ought to go a long way toward smoothing the rough patches. When these things are not enough, then we can establish firm, healthy boundaries without a blunt instrument.
“Should” and “ought to” are kind of utopian, you say? Well, maybe. One of the problems, as I see it, is that too many families are birthed with no goal in mind. When this is the case, kids with a wonky attitude are pretty much guaranteed. When they grow up and end up across from you at the Thanksgiving table, all your gifts of grace will then be called forth. And, of course, it may not be the kids. At times, the world seems to have way too many adults who have shed any semblance of good manners and eliminated any semblance of verbal restraint. As you exercise those gifts of grace, may you end the day having been tested and not found wanting.
Here, then, is my prayer for you on this day, dear readers, that your celebration will be richly blessed,
- that laughter will be the music of the day,
- that the healing power of thanksgiving will be a balm for every sore spirit,
- that good memories will fill the hearts of everyone at your table.
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 12:6