Preparing for Thanksgiving

     Thanksgiving is more than just being decadent and eating until you feel sick.  It takes preparation to get into the proper head and spiritual mindset.  I spend the whole month preparing for tomorrow.  It is kind of sad because this is the attitude I should carry all year, but November is dedicated to being thankful and finding Thanksgiving where I have not looked before.     
     You don't have to have the perfect meal, be the perfect host, or the best behaved.  The goal is to bring God the glory.  Don't feel guilty for being able to eat plentifully.  During this time of year the homeless have more things given to them and are fed better than any other time.  Remember them after the holidays.  In February go refill the food pantries, but enjoy what you get this day and every day you are breathing.
     Treat tomorrow like the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is meant to be set aside for God.  That does not mean that you need to feel guilty if you have to work or if you are serving God.  Do you your best not to have to work.  It is a commandment to rest, but God is looking at your heart more than the act.  It is better to do good for other people than to stay rigidly strict to the laws.   Everyone has needs.  Remember that and focus on how you can make things better.  I am learning that presentation does matter.  It makes people feel warm and special, so I will be going out of my way more than ever before to make things beautiful.
     I pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving.  If you are alone, I pray that you find friends to spend it with.  If you want to be alone, then I pray that you feel cherished and find rest.  For those traveling, I pray that you have safe and joyful travel.  No matter what is happening with your family, find a way to celebrate and be thankful for what you do have.  Find Jesus in all the chaos.  He wants to celebrate with you.

Matthew 12: 1-14