We have a tradition in our little family, and that is not stressing over Thanksgiving ON Thanksgiving Day. This is a day for us to slow down, rest, be thankful for our blessings, and share some ordinary time together. I’ll stress plenty when family comes over the weekend, but today is just not the day for that.
We weren’t even planning to make it to church today, except my 9 year old knew there was a special Thanksgiving service that started at 11:15, so at 10:55 he came upstairs in his full suit and said “What are you waiting for, LET’S GO”. Ahhh! There I sat in my PJs with yesterday’s makeup on and homemade cheese dip in the crock pot, ready to feast on chips all afternoon.
My only intentions today were to get through the stack of mail & Black Friday ads that had piled up, and maybe get a load or two of laundry done while enjoying my family.
But, you don’t tell a handsome little boy in a full suit to go throw his sweats back on… so we all scrambled to get dressed and headed to church. For the record the 4 year old would ONLY leave the house in her Super Girl costume and the teen was wearing baggy jeans with a fancy pink lace cardigan, but I didn’t stress it, because why would I?
I knew Thanksgiving day meant the pews would be full of visitors we didn’t know and I was sure we’d get some judgmental stares, especially as my son picked the 2nd pew from the front, a good 6 rows ahead of the rest of the congregation, but it didn’t matter.
Remember, I don’t stress on this day. I feast. I was feasting on time with my family and that is absolutely all that mattered.
Friends, no matter how fancy, or casual, your Thanksgiving dinner is, I want you to know that you are blessed and loved.
Even on the toughest days, and in the hardest seasons of life that leave you feeling heart broken and desiring something more, you are loved. I swear you really are. I know some of you are still doubting this, and I wish so badly I could convince you of how amazing you are. No matter your past, no matter your circumstances, you are amazing, and you are loved.
For some the holidays are the highlight of the year, for others the holiday season is a reminder of brokenness, and maybe loneliness too.
Oh sweet friends, please don’t let the illusion of perfection on social media fool you today, not everyone is gathered around a table eating pie and sharing stories, laughing the day away.
Some are just acknowledging what they’re thankful for, and eating carry out pizza while the Vikings play on the TV in the background.
And guess what? That’s okay!
Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing today.
That sounds like a lovely and relaxing day to me! Happy Thanksgiving!