I grieve for those for whom this is not some type of together celebratory day. Most of you who may read though are probably not in this category, thankfully. The three words in the title are or have been part of your day. “Over the river and through the woods,” is the Thanksgiving carol. A walk next door to share with a neighbor, Braving an airport for a long weekend. Cars on interstates and up a familiar driveway. No horse drawn sleighs, but various means to gather the group, with even a telephone call being backup when needed.
It really may not be a recognized adage; however, “no one has ever gone hungry at a pot luck meal.” Granted, there was the year younger ones scraped an aunt’s tomato aspic into the pot plant. That was a point off the curve. Various people appear with what they do best. Someone is General in the kitchen, usually the one responsible for the turkey. They also manage the time sequence on using the oven. Children are supervised in the setting of the table. At the right moment, a sonorous voice calls for a moment of gratefulness before filling plates begins. “Don’t take that last scoop of potatoes before I get there!”
And more important than left-overs, what we take home is the memory of seeing family and friends’ faces again. A group of cousins catches up on the year’s happenings. They spent Christmas with a different branch of the family. The cherished elder appears one more time and tells stories of the beginning of the gathering while the newest baby is passed around. Even though the letter says winter is coming, I don’t think Paul was in Rome at Thanksgiving in the first century. A small church cared for his needs, yet a memory person was needed. Call names of those around you and be thankful this day for those you love!
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come.
1 Timothy 4:11
Let Me Tell Ya 