Skip to main content

Bring it to the table - a different Thanksgiving

Image
By design#860



Things are different. As Thanksgiving approaches, typically our thoughts might revolve around family and friends. Of gathering together, of food, food, more food and yes, thankfulness.

Thanksgiving, the holiday that helps us push the pause button and reflect on what we are thankful for is hovering in our midst and we’re not sure what to do.  Every November, we immerse ourselves in traditions. Often, these traditions help us reflect and bring to the surface the things we are thankful for. Yet, we have been told to shrink this holiday into a small number, a computer screen, or whatever.  I don’t even know.

Is it that simple? Not really.

During this usual time, I wonder what I can contribute to the family gathering besides a hearty appetite. Usually, it’s a dish to bring to the table where we gather to break bread and together celebrate the welcomed pause with a bit more intentionality. The pause happens at the table. It's when all the preparation is presented for everyone to relish.

But it’s going to be different this time.

This act of gathering pours into who we are and many will be missing this. Now, the combination of mixing food with family and friends has been changed and for some, broken. So, what do we do in this seemingly permanent state of an interrupted life? Is it possible to still celebrate and give thanks? Is it possible to bring something to the table?

Yes, it is. While it may not be with a side dish or a sweet dessert, a different opportunity presents itself. Something you wouldn’t think of bringing to the table. It could still be a hearty appetite, but one that involves the heart instead of an empty stomach.

What if this Thanksgiving we bring our disappointments, losses and fears to the table?

What if it’s a conversation with God, asking Him to satisfy the empty places in us that make us hungry for things that really don’t satisfy? One thing is certain, the conversation is a path to experience communion with God. This moment is an opportunity to bring ourselves to the table, humbly and honestly. To bring an offering that God welcomes and transforms in our hearts. Communion.

Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28)

The world has changed and if we’re honest, so have we. We may not even recognize who we’ve become. But God knows. He knows because he made us and knows everything about us. And the things we bring to the table are the things He can speak to with His tender love and mercy.

This Thanksgiving, as you gather at the table, bring your appetite. Break open your heart. You may be bringing something that, if given completely to God, could change your life.  It is here, in a moment of surrender, a moment of communion, where you will find rest.  Rest from the things that have made you weary and burdened. All you have to do is show up hungry.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Everybody Loves a Good Fight

By
I’ve gotten into two fights in my life.  I know, hard to believe.  But I can remember them clearly.  One was with Cathy, who lived two doors down from my grandmother’s house.  I was probably around 8 or 9 years old.  Cathy was mean and a thorn in my side.  She was also the only other kid on the block who I could play with.  I don’t know exactly how the fight started, but I can remember the final scene and how it all played out.  I towered over her as she lay on the grass, pinned in a helpless position.  She cried for mercy and I let her go.  She flew home and that was the last time she bullied me.  The other time was in sixth grade.  I was friends with Rosie; at least I thought I was.  She accused me of breaking her compass and told me that she was going to beat me up after school.  I was shaking in my boots the rest of the school day.  I wondered how I could avoid the ordeal.  I wished I had someone that co...
3 comments
Read more

Baby steps to Big Girl Dreams

By
My heart was racing.  I had a tug inside of me to make a call to the local community college to inquire about teaching a continuing education class.  I had always had a desire to teach, and the bubbly stir inside of me kept pushing me to act.  My only problem was that  the conversation in my head made me want to run and hide.  But the stir was so very strong.  I had to do something.  And then I remembered a teaching I had just heard by Joyce Meyer.  She spoke about fear and how it can grip your life.   Her solution was simple.  She said, "Whatever you need to do, do it afraid."   A light blub moment !   Her words interrupted that internal conversation, and pushed me to make a choice and shift my thinking.  I marched to the phone....afraid....and made the call to the college.  I asked if they were in need of instructors and before I knew it,  one thing led to another.  By the end of the call, I ...
4 comments
Read more

What I learned in March

By
Another day of snow.  The amount we'd been getting was absurd.  But this one particular day, there was an amazing snowfall.  Even though I really, really wanted to complain, I just couldn't.  It was way to beautiful.  As I drove to work, I looked at the trees along my route.  Each covered perfectly with a velvety ribbon of white.  Just amazing.  How could I possibly complain?  So as I drove, I took it all in.  Any other day, maybe the snow would not have received such a welcome, but this day, it did.  I decided to celebrate instead of complain.  So what happened?  Well, my disposition changed.  Since then, I focused on a simple prayer.  Lord, change me.  Three little words.  Because when it comes down to it, the driver for my mood is my attitude, my perspective, my thinking...all of it.  Learning and saying these three little words was a huge graduation for me.  It gave me a sense of peac...
3 comments
Read more