Philippians 4:1; 4-5
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It is late in the afternoon as I write this message, and I have just now looked at social media for the first time today. I was busy this morning baking a turkey breast and getting things ready for lunch with Greg and his brother and sister-in-law, who drove up from Little Rock to spend Thanksgiving Day with us. We talked about the years when our gatherings were much larger – and all the fun we had and being together and playing games and “cards” (Hearts!).
When I finally looked at Facebook, my “memory” was a picture taken 12 years ago at my grandmother Polly’s Assisted Living Facility. My sister and I were enjoying a “Thanksgiving dinner” with Mam-ma Polly. I shared the photo and said I was sure that my sister and grandmother had cornbread dressing and a good hot roll today for their Thanksgiving Dinner in Heaven.
Thanksgiving Day – and all holidays – look so different these days than even 10 years ago. Our immediate family has dwindled and scattered to the point that “family gatherings” are almost a thing of the past. Yet we are no less grateful, and our love for each other is still strong. We’ve gotten creative, and we find new and different ways to celebrate and share our love for each other. Yesterday, Greg and I took the children to “Urban Air” (an indoor amusement park in a nearby city) for a day of fun. Our “Thanksgiving Meal” shared together was burgers and fries at McDonald’s…and we savored each bite and a great, lively conversation.
The words of Paul to the Philippians are profound and important- and I echo them today. I love each of you with the love of Christ…and I love my family and friends dearly. Truly, I want the best for each one. My prayer is that of Paul…that we would all celebrate God every day. He is so good to us – far above and beyond what we could imagine or deserve – and worthy of our praise every day of the year, not just on this one!
I don’t know what Thanksgiving Day looks like for you, but wherever you are and however you are celebrating, put God at the forefront. Truly make this day – and every day – a time to reflect on His goodness and put it into practice as you interact with others. Follow the commands we have been given…love one another…and work together to further God’s Kingdom. Someday, we will all have the opportunity to sit at God’s Heavenly table and have cornbread dressing, a good hot roll, and whatever else our heart (and stomach) desires – even a burger and fries! Be ready for the Master’s return…and make sure you serve every day with words and actions that reflect your steadfast obedience and faithfulness. Happy Thanksgiving Day! Alleluia!
©2023 Debbie Robus
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