Thanksgiving 2013 at our house
I trust you all had a happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving. We had family here and enjoyed them all. At times, though, I wasn’t really sure whether to rejoice or cry! Rejoicing in all my blessings, especially my family – or crying because my plans fell through.
I “cooked” a full meal. Well, actually I haven’t “cooked” Thanksgiving dinner by myself for years. My limitations have forced me to ask for and accept help, but I have still been able (with this help) to pull off a full dinner. A power outage (for 2 days) last week put me behind. Then a cold, plus exacerbated problems, this week completely wrecked my plans. Throw in grandkids who weren’t able to help as usual and a daughter-in-law who was sick (although she helped anyway – I couldn’t have done it at all without all her help), and my plans were shot.
After this year’s experiences, I decided it’s probably time to simplify. Yes, again! You know, I really get tired of adapting, adapting, adapting. But such is my life.
What about your life?
- If you are a dweller, does your life consist of adapting? Or does it need to, yet you keep putting it off?
- If you are an observer, do you pay attention to your friend or family member to see if they need help on holidays?
Thanksgiving should be a time for celebrating with family or friends, but for the person limited in physical abilities it may be more a time for crying.
What can you do?
Dwellers
- Evaluate: Are the results worth the price you’ll pay?
- Ask for help, if needed.
- Seriously consider accepting help, if offered.
Observers:
- Observe your friend: Is she struggling? Is he attempting to hide his difficulties?
- Offer specific help.
- If your friend has no family, or a small one, consider sharing yours with them.
What one Church did
One year when I was particularly weak, my friends stepped in. One made scrumptious cinnamon rolls for our breakfast. Another made a couple pies. Still another made homemade rolls. The rest, Joe and our sons (teens) were able to do. We had a great Thanksgiving, thanks to these special women!
As you reflect on your Thanksgiving, count your blessings, evaluate your activities, and see if you need to make changes for next year.
What holiday experience can you share with us?
