Psalm 133:1How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
Thanksgiving Day! The time for family, food, and fellowship. To recall Thanksgivings past and make future memories. To give special thanks to God for all His many blessings.
Regrettably, for some families, Thanksgiving Day heralds more stress than joy.
We may long for a picturesque, Norman Rockwell scenario of three generations gathered harmoniously around the dining table. That doesn't mean it happens for us.
Maybe, you have an Uncle Harold who drinks too much. An Aunt Rita who won't stop talking politics. Spoiled-rotten little grandchildren who trash your living room. A brother-in-law who always picks fights with your father. A cousin who criticizes everyone and everything, including the meal you just spent hours preparing.
Not so good and pleasant after all . . .
How do we deal with the black sheep in our family who predictably becomes the thorn in everyone's side?
First, ask yourself if you have any power to alter the person's behavior. No? Then, how about changing yours?
Begin with prayer.
Pray for this family member. Ask God to work mightily in his or her life.
Pray for yourself. Ask the Lord to grant you the peace and tranquility within to accept the person as he or she is. To be kind and understanding. To love as Christ loves.
Pray for each member of your family. Ask God to bless and keep each one.
Because, next Thanksgiving, there could be one less person seated at the table . . .
One less person to say grace . . .
To hug . . .
To hear you say, "I love you."
~
I pray today that your Thanksgiving celebration, in spite of any black sheep, is filled with joy, laughter, and the unity of love!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYBODY!
Readings
Psalms 131, 132, (133) or 134, 135
Zephaniah 3:1-13
1 Peter 2:11-25
Matthew 20:1-16
Readings
Psalms 131, 132, (133) or 134, 135
Zephaniah 3:1-13
1 Peter 2:11-25
Matthew 20:1-16
Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janu! We just got back from vacation today and I so glad to see that you stopped by even when I couldn't post to Facebook!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
This morning I was praying for several families who have lost family members recently and praying that the Lord would comfort and heal their hearts because of the people who would be missing from their Thanksgiving tables. I also was remembering Mrs. Mathis who I believe died on Thanksgiving Day. My brother and sister-in-law, Ned and Nancy Roberts, are celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary today. Beth and Steve Taylor are celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary as well. Several people I know are also celebrating their birthdays today. Happy Thanksgiving, Martha! I am very thankful for you.
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