Over the River and Through the Woods (11/22/2023)

Today, for oh so many, begins the preparations and the trek to the Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. Traffic will be a nightmare as will airports. I’m really excited by the fact that I don’t have to go to the market today because I imagine it will be like a 6th grade classroom when the teacher steps out. As we make our way, whether it’s over the river and through the woods, a 3-hour flight, a simple walk next door, or in our own home, let us keep reminding ourselves that this is a time for gratitude and that regardless of where we are, we have so very much for which we can be grateful.

Let us begin with our very lives. I realize none of us have perfect lives regardless of how we appear to others. But each of us has been blessed with life itself, and that is a gift to thank the LORD for daily. Let us also spend some time in our preparations and celebrations recalling the lives of our loved ones, those who are no longer with us as well as those who surround us. We are who we are in part because of them.

Let us also consider the gifts the LORD has given to us: skills and talents to use to make a living, to enhance our lives and the lives of others, to serve one another, to give lovingly that which was given to us.

Let us not leave our list without thought of our LORD, Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among us, who taught us through word and through example, and who gave His life so that we might live, defeating sin and death, for our salvation and to open the door for our lives in abundance with Him.

May all our labors for this holiday be tenderized by love through recognition of love received and, loving dedication of our efforts now. Let us insist that the celebration begin with prayer, uniting us to our LORD and one another. Let us tend to all our moments together, to being present to one another, knowing that time is a gift but not with a guarantee. Let us not waste our moments together but live them together lovingly in the presence of our LORD.

May everything we do this day and all days be colored by our gratitude for what the LORD has done for us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.