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Thanksgiving

Grateful, Thankful, Blessed: How To Enjoy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day in America—and you know what that means?

For many, the ready answer is food, football, and family. Holiday tables will be jam-packed with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, pies and other delectable delights.

And, in millions of homes, apartments, and condos across the country, people will pause for the annual tradition where each person at the table says what they are thankful for this year.

Whether the answers are serious or silly, this time of sharing helps us to reflect, and to hear each other’s stories, if only briefly.

But for others, the holiday may be lonely. You don’t have a table at which to gather. Or, the family and friends you do spend time with make it difficult to be your true self.

No matter what your situation, here are three helpful ways to ENJOY, not just ENDURE the Thanksgiving holiday.

Let it go

For those who gather with others for the holiday, you may find times of tension from unresolved conflicts in the past or disagreements about major life issues. That is understandable. Most families don’t agree about everything.

So you can set boundaries and plan ahead—before you walk in the door—how you will handle conflict if it arises at your gathering. Your feelings are valid, to be sure. And you can decide not to engage, or not to talk about a certain subject—at least for one day.

Sometimes you just need to walk away. Excuse yourself, and go in the restroom to take a few deep breaths and to pray for strength.

Be grateful

On Thanksgiving Day, we gather to eat, pray and give thanks. We remember God’s merciful provision to the first American settlers hundreds of years ago, and reflect on his goodness to us today.

So, what you are thankful for?

Really good friends?
A loving family?
A steady paycheck?
Living in freedom and peace?
Eyesight?
Gravity?

Make sure to take some time and thank God for all he has done for you.

As for me?

I am grateful for new beginnings. Thankful, that when I was a teenager reaching up to God, He was already there, reaching out to me. Teaching me, over the years about grace, forgiveness, freedom, and peace.

I am thankful that when I pray, God listens and acts. He moves heaven and earth to accomplish His good purposes. And I get to be an integral part of His story.

I am grateful that God meets my needs—and the needs of those I love. It may not always be the answer I want or happen in my timeframe. But God, in His divine wisdom and sovereignty, knows best. And I choose to trust Him.

I am grateful that God is my strength. That His mighty power is at work in me to make real and lasting changes—changes I never could have made in my own human strength.

And yes, I am grateful for wonderful friends and family members. Because connection and relationships give life meaning and purpose—and fun!

Thankfulness, my friend, leads to contentment and JOY!

And so, on this celebration of Thanksgiving, my grateful heart cries out to the One who loves us most:

“For all You are, and all that You have done for me, Lord—thank you!”

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

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How to Get Along with Difficult Relatives Over the Holidays

Ah, family. Sometimes it’s not easy to gather with those we love. Especially when people can become argumentative, difficult, or downright mean.

So, how can you get along better with relatives that you LOVE, but don’t always LIKE? Here’s practical help and inspiring hope from author, Cynthia L. Simmons. She offers some good insights in her guest blog post today.

Nothing ruins special occasions faster than a family squabble.

We all prefer what James called “wisdom from above” so your family time can be…“peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits.” (James 3:17).

Let’s consider some helpful relationship tips from God’s Word.

1. THINK LIKE JESUS. First, the Apostle Paul offered a powerful suggestion when he commented we should think like Jesus. 

Based on Christ’s unselfishness, Paul said to “let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Phil. 2:3) 

In other words, consider the needs of that difficult person. Like you, he or she bears the image of God, so find ways to show respect and kindness. For instance, plan on cooking a dish the person likes or suggest a game he or she prefers.

2. SET AND ENFORCE BOUNDARIES. Second, set boundaries and enforce them to ensure peace. Make plans to diffuse tension with your husband or another person you trust. You might use a signal that communicates a need for transition. 

For example, my grandmother lived with my mother for years. Before we visited, I warned my husband she would favor the boys. She would offer my sons gifts while informing my daughters she had nothing for them. My husband stepped in and refused all her gifts while guiding the children out of her room.

3. LOVE and PRAY. Third, Jesus said, “…love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” You might think this verse applies to an extreme situation, but I have discovered praying for someone softens my heart. 

The Lord gives me insight into that individual’s personality and makes me see their emotional vulnerability. Instead of responding in frustration, I can temper my words with kindness and compassion.

4. BE QUICK TO HEAR AND SLOW TO SPEAK. “Let everyone be quick to hear and slow to speak.”(James 1:19). 

People enjoy talking about themselves and may not notice your silence. You might discover hurts you weren’t aware of, or you could find a topic you both enjoy. On the other hand, avoid irritating topics.

5. DON’T LET EMOTIONS ZAP YOUR JUDGMENT. Fifth, don’t let your emotions zap your judgment. Paul the apostle said, “Be angry, and yet do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26). 

Past hurts can flare up and make us want to say hurtful words. I have felt that way, and it’s hard not to explode. Ask the Lord to help you leave all those wrongs in his lap. That is such a relief. 

Also, know that fatigue makes you more vulnerable, so [if possible] excuse yourself when you get tired.

With prayer, careful planning, and listening, you can still enjoy the holidays despite challenging relatives.

***

For more information, connect with Cynthia L. Simmons at clsimmons.com

 

Photo: Libby Penner, Unsplash

 

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5 Keys to Having an Awesome Thanksgiving


Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Thanksgiving in America will be different for many people in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In many states, we have to navigate restrictions for limiting travel, wearing face coverings indoors, and gathering in smaller numbers.

While some people will gather in person, others will have virtual celebrations, or a combination of both.

Even the annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York is virtual-only this year. No crowds for the first time ever. But you can still watch it online or on TV.

Indeed, whether you agree or disagree with the constraints, this year’s celebration will likely be one that we won’t soon forget.

So if you can’t go “over the river and through the woods” to grandmother’s house or condo, how can you still have an enjoyable turkey holiday?

You can remember why we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Choose to be thankful despite circumstances.

And enjoy the good things that are never cancelled, like: love, joy, hope, and peace.

Here are five key ideas to help you enjoy Thanksgiving Day in the time of COVID.

1. STAY HEALTHY. Stay informed and make wise decisions. As you know, every state has their own guidelines or mandates, but most health officials suggest wearing a mask (face covering) in public places, washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs, and staying home if you’re sick. Some suggest eating outdoors where possible (or opening windows for fresh air while eating indoors).

2. REMEMBER. Talk about personal Thanksgiving traditions from your past. It makes me happy to recall watching the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV as a child, while the luscious scents of baking pies and turkey wafted into the family room. Reminisce about the good times you’ve had on holiday’s past, and people you care about that make holiday gatherings special.

Remember why we celebrate this holiday. American Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November, is traditionally about food, family, friends and football. It’s also a time to give thanks to God for the gracious ways He has provided for us. He is faithful, and we are grateful.

You can also bring to mind the first Thanksgiving in 1621, nearly 400 years ago. Courageous men, women and children we call Pilgrims and the Wampanoag gathered at Plymouth Colony for three feast-filled days to celebrate their abundant harvest and give thanks to God for His bounty of blessings.

While many of us enjoy familiar holiday foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, the people at the first Thanksgiving also gobbled up lobster, oysters, and eel.

3. PRAY. Take time to pray, at your holiday meal or another time on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you are blessed or in need, you can be grateful. Thank God for His goodness, His love for you, His provision, protection, and other attributes. Thank Him for what He has done, or has yet to do.

Gratefulness leads to joy! Psalm 107:1 reminds us to, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Here is a short prayer you can use as you pray for your holiday meal.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Lord, we come before you—humble and grateful—on this Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for the people gathered here. We ask You to bless this food and our time together today. May it be a peaceful and joyful time of celebrating Your abundance and Your provision. Keep us all safe and healthy. Bless those in need, and may our hearts find joy in helping others, as we are able. We give You thanks—on this holiday and always. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

You may also choose to “share thanks” at your holiday meal or afterwards. Each person can briefly share what he or she is thankful for, if they choose. In 2020, people seem to be grateful for the little things, the simple things, because our world has been changed in ways unexpected.

4. HELP OTHERS. The holidays are always a good time to reach out to help those in need. Of course, we can help any time of the year and also at Thanksgiving. Consider:


• Donating to your local food bank. These days, many places allow you to drop off donations without leaving your vehicle.


• Hosting a food drive at your church or place of employment.


• Serving food at local homeless shelter.


• Helping your neighbor (For example, if you’re shoveling snow on the sidewalk in front of your house, take the extra step to shovel the sidewalk in front of your neighbor’s house.)


• Reaching out to those who may be lonely. Don’t forget about the singles in your church or neighborhood, or military men and women who may not be able to travel home for the holiday.

Think about a friend with health issues who can’t leave the house.

Or the relative in a nursing home or long term care facility who hasn’t been able to leave their residence in months because of state mandates. Make a phone call. Or FaceTime. Or wave outside his or her window, if you can. Let them know they are not forgotten and that they are loved.

5. ENJOY. Lastly, turn off the news (even for the day) and enjoy the people you are with, the sumptuous food, and the good times. Make memories. Relax. Watch the game. Have good conversations. Play games. Take a walk. Decorate your Christmas tree. Take a nap. Connect virtually (call, text, Skype or FaceTime with far away family or friends).

So bring on the turkey and all the fixings. I’m ready for a day of thanks to the One who loves us most—and a grateful heart all throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving to You!


Jackie M. Johnson is an author and blogger who provides faith-based hope and encouragement to heal your heart and grow a better life.

Photo: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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