This week we, as a nation, celebrated Thanksgiving.
Maybe you found yourself at a table with a plate of good food and surrounded by family. Or perhaps you’re like my husband who retreated to the living room from all the hustle and chatter to attempt to eat in peace. Simply because you’re an introvert, and thats OK. Maybe you had to work this year. I’ve been there. Healthcare (and many other industries) don’t pause just because its Thanksgiving. Or maybe you felt especially fragile this Thanksgiving as it was the first one without a very special loved one.
Wherever you found yourself this Thanksgiving, I hope you took a moment to remember what you’re thankful for. I did and my social media feed was full of grateful-posts as well.
I am always inclined to have a heart of gratitude at thanksgiving.
For starters, the food.
My grandmother has practiced for years and mastered my great grandmother’s dressing recipe. Thanksgiving (and maybe Christmas if you’re lucky) is the only time you’ll find it on the table. Also, my mom is a champion at making pies. From scratch, no pre-made crust, no whipped cream for the topping, not a single corner cut. This is a labor of love and its what she’s become famous for bringing. Except one year when our dog found her way to the back seat and ate 1/4th the pie before we realized it. My uncle always fries a turkey, which makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And everyone else fills in with side dishes. We don’t buy pre-made things (aside from the year I hosted of course). Our dishes are filled with real cheese, salt, butter, sugar, time and love.
And then, there’s the camaraderie and the joy of seeing so many family members at once. Even if they don’t love the fact that you always bring your dog. Sorry, not sorry.
Its after Thanksgiving, when my gratitude starts to sway.
Like coming off a sugar high after a morning of eating donuts, inevitably that gratitude leaves me. Someone cuts me off in traffic. Or my sweet husband doesn’t put a new toilet paper roll on the thing AGAIN. Or maybe its something bigger. Its a personal insult, Ray throws a tantrum, we go yet another night without sleep. These are the situations where my gratitude lessens. And then I remember that Jesus calls us into a heart of gratitude ALWAYS.
“Give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
To be honest, sometimes when I read this verse I feel deflated.
Because I fall so short. But y’all. This is what we as Jesus followers are called to. So rather than stay deflated, I look for hope. Usually to people around me that I see carrying out the words “Give Thanks in ALL circumstances.”
I look to the people in my home town of Port Neches, Texas that were placed under mandatory evacuation on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving due to a refinery explosion. Do you know something? I didn’t see a social media complaint from even ONE of those people. They were all just grateful to be safe, even if they had to immediately leave their homes with broken windows and debris from the nearby explosion. I look to the lady I met a few weeks ago at a HopeWriters conference, whose husband has cancer, but is at peace in Jesus’ love during his battle. I look to the many patients I have the privilege to work with and the physical tragedies they’ve survived. But yet, they are still joyful just to be here.
And I look to Pete the Cat.
I realize you didn’t expect me to bring Pete the Cat up in this serious, and real-life list, but hang with me for a minute. I do, after all, own a toddler. If you have a little one, you are also aware of who Pete the Cat is. If you don’t, he is a fictional, blue cat whose kinda a big deal. He has several books and even his own TV show these days.
In one of his books, “Pete the Cat and the Magical Sunglasses,” Pete finds a pair of magic sunglasses that allow anyone who wears them to see things “in a whole new way.” The entire book, different characters try on the sunglasses and find the glasses help them see the world through a new lens which makes everything better. The sun shines brighter, the birds chirp, and the various characters’ mood improves. At the end of the book, Pete runs into an owl, who has a shocking message. The owl informs Pete, that he doesn’t have to have the glasses to see things in this way. Seeing things in a new lens is simply his choice.
And this is what Pete the Cat can teach us about Gratitude.
Gratitude, much like what Pete learns with his magic sunglasses, is our choice. You don’t need a certain day to embrace it (although it helps!)
And if you’re like me, and sometimes forget how to chose this gratitude lens everyday like 1 Thessalonians calls us to, I assure you of a a few things:
- You’re in good company
- This is what I have found to be helpful: prayer, looking to others around you, and just maybe, reading Pete the Cat.
- Remember, the choice is yours, everyday.
Until Next time, I wish you much gratitude. Cheers!
Ps. Last year, Ray even wrote me a Thank You letter post on thanksgiving, which was especially impressive since he was only 1. You can read it HERE.