A few weeks ago, I planned to set aside every Thursday in November to share some of the many things I’m thankful for.
You can read about Week 1 here, Week 2 here, and Week 3 here.
“Give us today our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11
As I type these words, the smell of sweet potato pie and pumpkin crisp fresh from the oven is permeating throughout the entire house. Those are two Thanksgiving traditions that I bless my family with. That’s what I’m thankful for today…tradition.
Growing up in my household meant that we celebrated everything. My mom celebrated big events (such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter) as well as smaller events (such as good grades on our report cards, special awards and milestones reached). Celebrating these special moments are memories that I still hold dear today. It’s only natural that I passed along these traditions to my own children.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving today, we will weave years of tradition into our festivities. Our day began with a big breakfast that I prepare each year–bacon, eggs, breakfast potatoes, toast and juice. Afterwards, my daughter and I baked 2 sweet potato pies and 2 pumpkin crisps. Now we are relaxing until we head out to family dinner, which will include lots of laughter, games (and prizes!), good music, fellowship and of course, great food.
A few weeks ago, I read an article by Anne Lamott called “Counting Our Blessings“. In the article, Lamott shared why she says grace before her meals. I found the article to be very enlightening because saying grace seems like second nature to me. It’s not something that I have to think about doing. My husband and I have raised our children to say grace before their meals. Whether you’re at the cafeteria table, the food court at the mall or at a friend’s house, we pause to thank the Lord for the food that He has provided for us.
As you gather around the Thanksgiving table today, be sure to pause to thank God for the delicious food you will consume. Ask Him to not only bless the food but also the hands that prepared it. Pray for those who are less fortunate than you. Pray for those struggling with their first Thanksgiving without a loved one. Ask God to bless the conversation and memories that you’ll share. Enjoy making new memories while savoring honored traditions. As a friend mentioned this morning, “Thanksgiving is what comes out of the heart…not the oven.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
