It’s Time

This is the season when families get together; celebrating their special closeness. Unfortunately, so many families are splintered … feelings have been hurt over forgotten issues, and wearing a painted smile and staying close to the liquor cabinet are the best ways to deal. There’s more to Thanksgiving than sharing turkey. It’s time to make amends with one another; it’s a time for families to heal.

It Wasn’t an Accident

It wasn’t an accident that you were placed with your family. Either through birth or adoption, God’s plan put you there. Yet so many think they can improve that plan by putting up 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.”

While you may think statements like these and others make sense, let me say … as kindly as I can … they are all wrong!

If you have hurt someone, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it is what he tells us to do:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13: 34 (NIV)

 

Can I tell you a Secret?

Can I tell you a secret? Forgiveness is not my first go-to move. I struggle with it, like everybody else. However, when I take the focus off myself it’s a lot easier to do.

“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)

I didn’t say it’s easy … I said it’s easier. Ouch!

“… 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)

Is It Time For Change?

It may be difficult to accept, but Jesus died for the person you’re upset with or the person who’s upset with you. They have value. You have value. That value isn’t about you; it’s about our Heavenly Father.

Consider a do-over. How would this year’s Thanksgiving meal go if Jesus had a place at your table … between you and an estranged family member?

Think about it, and 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, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.