Recently I came upon Family Life Radio (91.5) while driving. And have been enjoying their programming. Earlier today, they were addressing a problem that really hit home. We as women succumb to. It’s the “trap” of how women work so hard to make our home have the “Pinterest” or “Joanna Gaines” look for the holidays and have the “just perfect” Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Believe me, I understand, we all want our homes to look nice. But, sometimes we go over the top! When we really should be focusing on what is really important.
Your home does not have to be filled with fancy holiday decorations to have the “Aroma of Christ.”
Meaningful conversation and family connecting are much more important. They addressed the topic of “God Gathering His People.”
Thanksgiving A Time To Remember
A holiday for celebrating faith, family, and freedom, Thanksgiving Day is both distinctly Christian and exclusively American. Barbara Rainey (Family Life Radio) has created an excellent resource for enabling you and your family to remember the past, recognize God’s hand in our history, and express thankfulness to Him for His goodness today.
The art of conversation has been lost at the dinner table. Give Thanks for being together.
I recall my own Mama working so hard to have everything just perfect. We all arrived early to help her, but she had already taken care of everything and she would be exhausted. She always wanted to please us. She wanted us to be happy. We slowly transitioned to more of a pot-luck meal. It worked much more smoothly and better for all.
But, my Mama had a need to be in control. As she grew older, physically she couldn’t handle preparing all of the Thanksgiving Dinner alone, her heart wanted to, but…….In time she relaxed more and enjoyed herself.
We become our mothers. I recall after my Mama passed we started celebrating our own Thanksgiving Dinner in our home.
I have fallen into the trap myself. Of wanting everything just perfect.
My Mama’s focus was her food, she decorated a little but. My focus is on our home, the decorations and the food.
I know last year after making a turkey, a ham, dressing and stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, I won’t deny somewhere between the gravy and vegetables I started to feel a tad tired and overwhelmed. But, it’s like I had a power surge just thinking how all my loved ones would soon be enjoying my food, I was so lovingly and proudly taught to make by my Mama.
I learned several years ago that Thanksgiving is not the time to experiment or introduce new recipes. One year I made some fancy butternut squash with pecans and maple syrup, no one ate. I stick to the traditional all time favorite standard dishes, and they work.
I also decided against my family’s traditional ambrosia, we already had plenty of food. This might also require buying a new refrigerator to refrigerate everything. And the pies were bought. I’ve learned to say and allow myself permission to buy pies and love it, it’s really ok.
I couldn’t do any of this without Mi Corazon’s help, he makes the homemade cranberry sauce, he took care of our company, served refreshments and prepared a beautiful colorful salad. After dinner he took care of all the clean-up, which means the world to me.
As we sat around the dinner table or in the living room with our pumpkin pie, reflecting on what a terrific meal our Mama prepared. The conversation moved to Christmas soon approaching and the “tamalada” party starting. Woop Woop!
I realize this is cliche, but remember the “Reason for the Season.” Stop and reflect all our blessings, the people we love, and Hug the people you love, as we give Thanks to our Lord for “gathering His people.”
Thank you Father.
Abrazos
