Some things never change, I hope. Like Thanksgiving. I hope that the Thanksgiving I feel in my heart and that I have always been blessed to have will continue.
I understand that the obvious circumstances of growing older might change the cast some years. Unfortunately we lose loved ones and are saddened by those losses. At the same time, we may gain a new and little one every now and then. One does not necessarily take the place of the other; it’s not an even exchange, but we take our blessings whenever and however we can.
Thanksgiving for me continues to be one of the great times of the year. It’s not just one day. It’s an attitude of gratitude, encompassing much more.
This year Donna Sue and I will be separated on the actual day of Thanksgiving. She will be in Auburn enjoying that “loveliest village on the plains.” Her mother has been ailing as of lately and she will be with her and her brother and his wife.
I, on the other hand, will be at my favorite two acres in the entire world, my home-place. Thanksgiving has been our family’s traditional gathering time for many years and, although Donna Sue and I would like to be together, this year doesn’t offer that opportunity. Even apart, we’ll still be thankful for each other.
Our family will gather, beginning on Tuesday and will stay and play together, as heartily as possible, until Saturday or Sunday. The place where I grew up will be filled with laughter that is of the “you had to be there” kind. There may be a serious discussion of uncertainties, but not with rancor.
One thing’s for certain. There will be a feeling of thanksgiving for just being together and loving each other. I am old enough and have seen plenty of seasons come and go and know that being together, in the original family unit, is a prime reason to praise God with thanksgiving. One never knows when that ends.
Another thing won’t be changed. There will be plenty of food. There is a saying that variety is the spice of life and that’s true. It’s good to have new experiences. Just not at the Thanksgiving table.
That’s the place where the menu never changes. We’ll have dressing, not stuffing. We’ll have greens of all kinds, cooked in most unhealthy, but delicious and greasy ways. Sister will make pimento cheese. There will be turkey and ham, mashed potatoes, peas, and other southern delicacies. Again, the Thanksgiving table is no place to experiment.
Yes, we’ll be full of gratitude.
A man found the barn where Satan stored his seeds of discontent. The compartment of seed that sowed discouragement was the largest. Satan also said it was the easiest to grow. It can grow almost anywhere he boasted.
The man questioned Satan about this most prolific seed, but Satan admitted that there was one place where he could never get the seed to thrive.
“Where is that?” the man asked.
Satan replied sadly, “In the heart of a grateful person.” May our hearts be grateful.