Wearing Painted On Smiles

November begins the season when families get together to celebrate their special closeness. Yet so many families are splintered, with members wearing painted-on smiles while staying close to the liquor cabinet. Are faking happiness and drinking the best ways to work through that “closeness”?

Norman Rockwell?

While it would be wonderful to reflect a Norman Rockwell moment while together, it often doesn’t happen.

If there’s a problem with family member, make Thanksgiving more than sharing turkey. Make it a time for amends with one another; it’s a time for families to heal.

We seldom have control over who makes up our family. Ponder this–It wasn’t by accident that God placed you in your specific family.

It’s tempting for many wounded people to think they can improve God’s plan by putting walls of unmet expectations and hurt feelings around their hearts.

• “I don’t want to be hurt anymore.”
• “You don’t know what they did to me.”
• “We have nothing in common; it’s best we just keep our distance and live our lives apart.”

Yeah, but …

Those statements may sound good, right, and honest. At one time or another I’ve spoken them all. But afterward I realized these thoughts were … well … a smidge self-serving … and wrong!

Here’s What We Can Do

Others have the same thoughts and share these feelings. Look around you. If you hurt someone in the past, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. Why? Because it wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do:

• “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35 (NIV)
• “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matt. 5:23-24 (NIV)
• “… If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)

Think about it

Let’s try to remember Jesus died for the person who is causing your grief. They have value. We all have value. That value isn’t about you; it’s about our Heavenly Father. Think about would a Thanksgiving meal could be if we sat at the same table as our Lord and our estranged family members?

If you hurt someone in the past, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do. Share on X

Ponder these possibly new thoughts and stop wearing a painted smile. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Have a Happy … and Healthy … Thanksgiving!

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.