With longer nights and shorter days in our mist, the holiday season is back upon us. In the blink of an eye, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. A song that I sang in elementary school around this time of year comes to mind. “Turkey and dressing on the table; sweet pumpkin pie is mighty fine. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, Thanksgiving is a family time.” Can’t you already smell the dressing, greens, sliced ham or turkey that has been perfectly brined and smoked for several hours, sweet potato pie, and other delicacies that you prepare or partake in on the fourth Thursday in November every year? I know I can. Thanksgiving is not only about getting our bellies full of foods that we mostly only eat during this time of year; it is even more about fellowship, spending time with loved ones, and being thankful for all that we have been blessed with throughout the year(s). When we think about all the reasons to be thankful, of course the good things (spouses, children, family, jobs, homes, cars, etc.) will come to mind, BUT we have to also learn to be thankful for the not-so-good things as well: that breakup; not getting that well-deserved promotion; lack of support from loved ones; friends turning their backs on us; and what have you. Have you ever heard the saying, “Man’s rejection is God’s protection?” Most times, God forcefully removes things and people from our grasp because He’s saving us from a greater hurt and disappointment, because it is simply not our time even though we may think or feel otherwise. Those “valley” experiences that we do not like to go through are the things that build us up, that prepare us for what’s to come, that humble us, and help us to truly appreciate all that we are and all that we have. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for and to simply smile about. When we find that silver lining that I can admit is sometimes hard to see, being thankful for all things will be as easy as the air we breathe. This holiday season let’s not get angry at our loud cousin, late aunt, drunk uncle, or sisters who don’t speak…their behavior could be the result of dealing with some of those ugly truths that were mentioned before. Help them find the silver lining. And together…be thankful that we are all still on the land of the living and we get to spend this time together.
