When I was young we always had Thanksgiving lunch at my paternal grandparents’ house with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. After lunch, football and/or “the parade” would be on T. V. in the living room and there were leaves to be raked outside. Raking the leaves was fun, mostly because we kids did more jumping into the piles than actually raking them. We would play out there for a few hours and then head across town to my maternal grandparents’ home to rally for a thankful dinner and even more quality time with family. I loved Thanksgiving and treasure those memories made around our gatherings.
Thanksgiving today looks quite different from those childhood holidays, but there are many things that remain the same. We still gather at the (next generation) grandparents’ home, and Mom and Dad are amazing grands and it’s a joy to see them in those roles. We share a feast and following that meal we enjoy our time together. Most importantly, we are still overwhelmingly thankful.
Some traditions can and arguably should be treasured. Over time those treasures can become points of frustration due our own resistance to change–change that is often beyond our control. God does not want us to be frustrated and is instead beckoning us toward the present blessings. It is important to remember that those things which give our traditions their significance rarely change, they are just presented in a different way.
As the season of Advent enfolds us, let’s not be distracted, instead directing our attention to the Hope and Joy that so abundantly surrounds us. It’s Christmas! Be reminded of God’s present!
“After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!”” Mark 1:14-15 CEB
Ramblings of a Faithjunkie 