Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, the season when families get together and celebrate the special closeness they share.

Or not …

It seems so many families are splintered. Feelings have been hurt over forgotten issues. Often family members wear painted-on smiles and stay close to the liquor cabinet. They think that’s the best way to deal.

Hmmm …

There’s more to Thanksgiving than sharing turkey. It’s time to make amends with one another; it’s time for families to heal.

It wasn’t an accident you were placed with your family. God in his wisdom designed you there. Yet we think they can improve that plan by putting walls of unmet expectations and hurt feelings around their hearts.

I get it

“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.”

These statements may sound good, but they’re all self-serving … and wrong!

What’s on you

If you have hurt someone, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. 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

 

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

 

… 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

Don’t you see?

Did you get it? 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. How would your Thanksgiving meal be if we sat at the same table as our Lord and our estranged family members?

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,  or check out any of my other books on my Book page.