Thanksgiving Eve

I guess it wouldn’t be too improper to call today Thanksgiving Eve. Today, like many of you, I’m making final preparations for company and cooking. I’m leaving my brother-in-law in charge of the games on TV, and my sister will certainly help clean up after dinner. My niece and nephew are bringing the entertainment (piano solos and a fusion of several board games), and my mom is bringing the holy grail of desserts, the pies. Each of us has our own talents and opinions of how to do things. Some like things more lively and some appreciate the quiet. Some want the dog in the house and some don’t. Some want to run around the yard and others look forward to their nap (uhm, I mean to their football game.) I am thankful that we were raised to value each other and to get along. Even when there are those rare disagreements, we strive to use the WWJD principle so that we can quickly overcome the problem and get back to being the family God wants us to be.

No matter the differences, it is more important to get along with one another and treat one another with love, than it is to win an argument. Even in communities where there are cultural and economical similarities, problems naturally arise. The trouble is not that there is a problem, but it is in how we deal with the problem. In chapter 4 of James, the scripture is very clear about how to deal with problems in a Christian manner. Verse 1-2a begins the teaching with, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it.” Christ calls us to move past the temptation to judge others, so that we may deal with our everyday struggles with grace, humbleness, and above all, love.

Think back to the story of the first Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. They chose to help each other, bringing what they had to the table for their mutual benefit. I like the graphic of the dog and cat above because it is a picture of how we should make an effort to work together, bringing our gifts to the table and show grace regarding each other’s flaws. I hope you take time to look around at your family and the community around you and find reasons to be thankful, even thankful for the differences that we have. Enjoy Thanksgiving and make time to keep your whole community in your prayers, thanking God for all the benefits we are able to enjoy.

So... if you still need reasons to be thankful, enjoy this top ten list I found:

What To Do When The Turkey Is Burned, OR
Top 10 Reasons To Be Thankful Anyway

10. Salmonella won't be a concern.
9. No one will overeat.
8. Everyone will think it is Cajun Blackened.
7. Uninvited guests will think twice next year.
6. Your cheese broccoli lima bean jello casserole will gain newly found
appreciation.
5. Pets won't pester you for scraps.
4. The smoke alarm was due for a test anyway.
3. Carving the bird will provide a good cardiovascular workout.
2. After dinner, you can take the bird to the yard and play football.
1. You'll get to the desserts quicker!