Gratitude, Grief, Grumbling and Gravy

By now, you're probably starting to think about yummy smoked turkey, garlic mashed potatoes with gravy and Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie that will be coming your way soon. This is the week where we're all given a pass on eating healthy and will at some point end up in a tryptophan coma. Let the feeding frenzy begin!

But, really, as we know, Thanksgiving is not all about food. Yet, it sure does help, right? As we approach the holiday, it might be important to think not only about the meal and our preparations, but about those other things we don't tend to talk about, but very present, just the same. What possible thoughts and actions might go on around your table? Here might be a some.........

I can't imagine Thanksgiving this year without __________ being at the table.

I worry about volatile post election discussions between Democrat and Republican guests. Kicking under the table will be acceptable to bring a halt to this stuff.

I'm so stressed out about all the preparations! 

I assume that ________________ won't come to dinner because of the family rift.

This has been a hard year! I sure don't feel very thankful about anything!

I can't wait to get together with family! I'm so grateful to celebrate together!

Don't you wish you could listen to what people are really thinking? Perhaps, we could be a bit more sensitive and aware of what people bring to the table this year. 

Have you lost a loved one? Take time to acknowledge the empty chair. Go around your table and share something you loved and/or miss about your loved one. Allow the sweet memories be a blanket over your grief. Grief is real. Don't apologize for tears. Allow it to be a tender, sweet time of remembering.

Has grumbling crept into your holiday? Your attitude makes all the difference. Try to pinpoint what's going on in your heart. Ask God for help to pull you out of the crevices of negativity. Best way to do that? Be thankful! Go around the table and share something or someone you're thankful for. Play the Alphabet Gratitude Game with your family, starting with A and going to Z, share something your thankful for. A great game with kids!

Has food become the center of your holiday? Set aside the turkey and gravy preparations and remember that food isn't the MOST important thing. So, what's the worst thing that can happen if you burn the Green Bean Casserole or ruin the pie crust? It's all going to be OK. Life goes on. Don't allow the preparations to keep you from loving and caring for the precious people around you. Don't let the rush of the day keep you from being grateful to your God.

You have all the ability in the world to model a thankful Thanksgiving this year. Even in the midst of your present challenges, you CAN be thankful. I dare you to try!

"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing…Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:2, 4-5

"It does not matter what your circumstances are, the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key that unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart." Francis Frangipane

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.