Slowly Changing the Guard (11/25/2024)

Yesterday, my family of 18 gathered for an early Thanksgiving celebration as well as the celebration of birthdays (our daughter and son share a birthday; they were born a year apart). And I loved greeting each person as they arrived and watching the 20 Somethings set up their dishes. My oldest grandson and his wife brought the turkey and ham; they started them as soon as they arrived, and he carved the meats when they were ready. My only granddaughter and her fiancé brought mashed potatoes and a dessert. My second grandson and his significant other brought a fanciful dessert – Rice Krispie treats in the shape of turkey drumsticks. While I made the stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole, they were make-ahead dishes. As I stood and watched the hubbub in the kitchen and around the island, I have to admit that I like this changing of the guard, even if it isn’t complete yet.

There is a time for every purpose under heaven. My purpose now is handing on the reins to the next generations. I am content to merely host; I don’t have to have a hand in every dish. I love watching them coordinate and collaborate. They have seen how it can be done, but they realize that it doesn’t have to perfectly mirror what has been; there is always room for innovations and new desires. I must admit that when they left, I had more energy than usual after a family gathering around a meal. I think I’m going to like this “changing of the guard.”

We of the older generation have hopefully spent years setting the example. One of the greatest gifts we can give to our children and grandchildren or to others is trust in them and their abilities. One caveat – when one turns over the reins, one must accept that the ride might be different.

As I reflected on the day last evening before bed, I was filled with joy and thanksgiving for the gathering with my loved ones. I was grateful for the abundance of food and conversation and laughter. I was also grateful that my children and grandchildren had developed deep relationships that make them want to gather, make them want to share, make them care about the other and look forward to time spent together. And I thanked the LORD for the trust that allowed me to let go and let them set the tenor and pace of our future gatherings.

I can’t wait for Christmas.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.