Thank God for what you have
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Richville Rundown
Sheila Ward
Well, it’s the middle of November and feels more like early fall with cool nights and warm days. I think the weather this year has been the most unusual with months with no rain, frost one day and hot the next.
While I don’t enjoy cold weather, I look forward to more normal temperatures. Maybe my allergies and sinuses will agree!
Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. Today is the last day of school in November with Thanksgiving holidays next week. I’ve got a busy week starting with my family Thanksgiving this Sunday. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, I’ll go to Triple R for their Thanksgiving meal with some of my family.
It’s been a long time since I cooked on Thanksgiving Day. Over the years, we always went to my in-laws for Thanksgiving Day, so once they passed away that tradition ended. At my parents’ house, we usually celebrated Thanksgiving the Sunday before or Sunday after, depending on how close it was to my Daddy’s birthday on the 22nd. My brothers at that time lived out of town so they couldn’t come home for just one day.
Eventually, we settled on the Sunday before as our family Thanksgiving. Now that my parents are gone, it’s celebrated at my house on the Sunday before.
So, Thanksgiving Day is very low-key for me, the lull before the storm because the weekend is full. On Friday after Thanksgiving, it’s Black Friday, which means shop till we drop with my girls. Then on Saturday, it’s Game Day with chili, soup and snacks while family members cheer on their favorite team, Alabama or Auburn!
The finale of the weekend is the “Ward holiday get-together.” Several years ago, my late husband’s family started getting together for a holiday meal to keep in touch after their parents died. Eventually, it moved to my house where there will be anywhere from 50 to 70 or more come together for lunch.
Thankfully, I don’t have to do all the cooking. Everyone brings a dish or two, and we have potluck. I set up tables on the front porch and back deck, with extra chairs in the living room. Somehow, it all works out and I love it!
My Bible verse this week is about thanksgiving. Colossians 3:15 reads, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
God has done so much for us that we should try to be more grateful. We take so much for granted, not only from God, but from our daily lives. We need to have the “peace of Christ” in our daily lives.
Christ gave us that peace by dying on the cross for each and every one of us. Being peaceful to others means showing kindness, forgiveness and thankfulness.
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving season, don’t just say the words, but feel them in your heart.
The verse ends with “be thankful.” Don’t forget to thank God for giving us family and friends who enrich our lives each day. As we gather during this season, truly thank God for what you have.
