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I have always enjoyed serving rolls and savoring relationships as my family gathers around the Thanksgiving table. Typically, I count the days until my people burst through the back door with casseroles and pies in hand. I look forward to family conversations and connections.
But this year has been egregious.
Even Thanksgiving gatherings are in question. With the threat of Covid, all must take extra precautions, and Governor Cooper’s new executive order limits Thanksgiving gatherings indoors. Our traditional family gathering will look a little different this year. Honestly, I might have a touch of the holiday blues.
How about you? What is a gal to do when her Thanksgiving attitude is not so happy?
Here is what is helping me.
Perspective: Though Thanksgiving looks different, I can still choose a joyful and grateful heart. Gratitude is an attitude between me and my Lord – Not based on my situations. Joy is a choice that I get to choose. When I recognize what I do have instead of what I don’t have, my perspective will change. When I remember that He serves my praise, then my joy returns. I recently read a powerful quote that reads, “This is not the year to get everything you want. This is the year to appreciate everything you have.” (Jessica Newman) This year I am thankful for my family whether they are home for the holidays, or tucked safe in their house.
Praise: It helps me to turn up the music and voice my worship. Praise music settles my soul and sets my feet to dancing. Dancing as I go about my duties makes the day delightful. As I worship Him, my attitude turns to gratitude. I am choosing not to worry about my Centerpiece Display but to Display Christ as my Centerpiece.
Productivity: I am choosing to Trade my Holiday Blues for Holidays to Do ‘s. I am choosing to stay busy. Ideas might include: Serving others, trying a new dish, or learning to make grandma’s traditional recipe. Perhaps I can share flowers or give individually wrapped cupcakes from a bakery to another friend. Send an amazon package to someone in need. Reach out through zoom, cards, FaceTime, etc. The end goal is to celebrate Thanksgiving by Giving Thanks and Giving Back. This year is included.
Friends, let us Focus on an attitude of gratitude regardless of this egregious year. We can choose to move forward in the three P’s – Perspective, Praise, and Productivity. I double dare ya. 🙂
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!” Psalm 105:1-6 (ESV)
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