I still remember one year when I was serving Active Duty in the Navy getting together with another couple for Thanksgiving. I couldn’t afford to go home, nor did I have the leave time available. I recall making mashed potatoes with this other woman from Nebraska (a far cry from my hometown in Mississippi), and we had different ideas of how to make them. She kept saying something about adding mayonnaise, and me, I just wanted more butter. I compromised and later as I swallowed a lump of them I thought, “these sure don’t test like grandma’s,” but I wasn’t in Iraq like I could have been, so they tasted pretty good.
Here’s four things we take for granted at Thanksgiving.
1. Being off on Thanksgiving. Look around and you’ll see many people you may forget about on the holidays. Your friends in the service industry don’t get to leave work for turkey day. As a nurse, I can remember plenty of years I ate hospital cafeteria turkey and dressing with my coworkers. Sick people don’t take a holiday. As a veteran I can recall many holidays spent away from home, and no matter how much I tried to make it like home, it just wasn’t.
Medical personnel, police officers, military members, and so many more don’t get to come home for Thanksgiving. So that’s one thing anyone sitting around a table with family on this Thursday can be thankful for. The privilege of being off work and being home. Make sure and say thanks to all those who serve our country, community, and other needs this holiday season.
2. Family. A great many of us will complain about the company we feel forced to keep on Thanksgiving, but always keep in the back of your mind your friends who are experiencing the holiday without a spouse, child, or parent who has recently passed away. They’re learning how to transverse through what should be a joyous occasion, but is evading them this time around.
I still recall the first Thanksgiving after my mom passed away. We tried to make it normal, but it wasn’t. It was lackluster and depressing.
Be grateful for the presence of those you love and those who love you. They won’t always be there. Life is fleeting. Hug the people around you, tell them you appreciate them, and keep in your prayers your friends who are grieving this holiday season.
3. Food to eat. Do we truly take the time to consider how fortunate we are? Even the poorest families in the U.S. have much more than other countries. Even in your own small town, you have more than what many may have. You can always find someone with less if you open your eyes.
Take the time this year to count your blessings, pray for those without, and most importantly give to those in need. That’s how it all started, right?
4. Freedom of religion. As you say grace before your meal this year keep in mind that in many countries they are forbidden to do so. We are supremely blessed to be able to worship and pray freely without fear of persecution.
So, no matter if your pie doesn’t turn out right, your mother-in-law gets under your skin (I must add here mine does not), or you hate traveling, try and put it all in perspective. You’re off work and able to drive to a family gathering with your spouse and all your children by your side. You can praise Jesus or whoever you choose as you feast on turkey or ham. Your choice, really. We are afforded so many things to be thankful for each and every day, but I would encourage you to especially open your eyes to your many blessings over the next two days.
Happy Thanksgiving.