REFLECTIONS
As I reflect upon past Thanksgivings during my youth, I would like to share with you some of my fondest memories. I pray that it will cause us to become keenly aware of the importance of God and family.
The week prior to the "Big Day", my school was actively involved with paper cut-outs of leaves and Indian headdresses. The story of the Pilgrim's journey to a place of freedom resounded through the classrooms. How the hallways rang with laughter and joy as school let out for the Holiday vacation.
Some years Thanksgiving was spent at my parents home, and others were spent at my Grandparents, so my memories are interspersed with both homes.
Days before "The Event", we were all abustle with activity! The registers at the grocery stores continued to ring up items such as cranberry sauce, squash, and corn. My sister Gwen, and I helped in the preparation; doing such things as peeling the chestnuts for Mother's delicious Chestnut Stuffing. All the ingredients for our famous family recipe of Potato Pudding were assembled, and the Pumpkin Chiffon, Chocolate Cream, and Lemon Chiffon pies were in the refrigerator awaiting heaps of fresh whipped cream.
Daddy was busy tying up loose ends with his business so he could spend this "Special Day" with his family. Some years he was given turkeys from his customers, and I remember him giving them away to his workmen along with turkeys and items he donated himself so that they would be blessed with a Thanksgiving dinner.
Meanwhile, we were at home setting the dinner table with our finest china, silver, and crystal glassware. The cornucopia centerpiece overflowed with fruit and nuts, and the candles were tall and stately, painting a picture of elegance and welcome. The children even had their very own table which was completely set and arrayed with Autumn flowers paper turkeys with accordion feathers and candles that we could light ourselves at the appropriate time (with the help of Dad or Mom!), and what a treat and special privilege it was to put out the candles at the end of dinner with our sterling candle snuffer which was a family heirloom!!!
Of course, Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without Communion Service at our church. So, in the midst of preparing, we stopped and took time as a family to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for His most bountiful blessings. What a holy hush invaded the church building as the altar candles were lit and the choir began to sing. Voices resounded in harmony as we lifted up our praises to God in songs of Thanksgiving. Holy Communion was served and the reverence of the moment is a treasure in my heart. Back in our pews, Mother would wipe her tearing eyes and take my hand in hers tenderly and squeeze it reassuringly as only a parent could do. As we savored this moment together cherishing the significance of what true thanksgiving is, no words needed to be said.
The sermon message stirred our hearts to be more thankful, and our pastor greeted us after the service to wish us Godspeed. The outside of the front of the church was the general meeting place to congregate. My father, who was normally a quiet man, usually became engrossed in conversation with some of the men from our congregation, and we would lovingly tease him , telling him that he should run for politics! Afterwards, we met in the Parish Hall where donuts, cider, and coffee were served, and lively conversation ensued. We all went home feeling a warm afterglow from sharing and socializing.
Finally, "The Day" arrived --- Mom had set her alarm clock for a 5 AM wake-up call so she could stuff the turkey and put it in the oven, while Dad enjoyed a rare bit of extra sleep.
I was awakened early with the first faint aroma of turkey in the air, (if we were celebrating Thanksgiving at our home that particular year) and the thoughts of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade were enough to catapult me from my bed!!!
Continental breakfast was served, orange juice, sticky buns from the bakery and coffee for Dad and Mom and I always had hot chocolate, something that has become a family tradition the entire time my own children grew up .. and it has now become the tradition for some of my children!! I stayed glued to the television set, not wanting to miss one giant air balloon, or to miss any of the marching bands who had traveled from across the United States for this special occasion. Decorated floats came by, each expressing a different theme and twirlers with batons were performing their much practiced routines. People were clad in heavy winter coats, earmuffs and gloves while the television M.C.'s brazed the cold --- all rosy cheeked and exhaling what looked like clouds of smoke from their frozen breath. It was such a good feeling to be in a place of warmth and comfort, away from the brisk Fall elements, and still be able to enjoy all that was going on.
 |
| Traditional sticky buns |
Some years Thanksgiving was spent at my family home and other years it was spent at Grandpa and Grandma's. If we were travelling to our Grandparents, next on our agenda, was to dress in the clothes and shoes Mother had carefully washed, pressed and polished with her loving hands. The crisp Fall air was invigorating as we assembled in the car for the ride to see our relations, and sometimes you could smell the aroma of leaf piles burning; which just added to the nostalgia of the day.
Going to Grandma's was always a treat. I don't ever remember her doing anything but smiling, or whistling happily, in fact, I don't ever remember her ever complaining or ever asking for anything for herself. Her apron was tied in a bow in the back and there she was...that precious "Little Irish Lassy" (as my Grandfather called her) busy in the kitchen basting the meat and making sure that no items were forgotten on the menu. The aroma was mouthwatering, and one of my favorite parts was when Grandpa or Grandma would give me a preview sample of the turkey before it was served!! It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without that!!!
Hugs and kisses abounded as cousins and favorite uncles and aunts arrived. Hors d'oeuvres were then served to whet our appetities. While I was busy playing with my cousins, the football game could be heard in the background with the voices of the men yelling, "Go, Go, Go," or "Oh no, he fumbled the ball", as the women chattered and laughed and arranged the last minute items on the table. Finally, everyone was there for the gathering, and the announcement was made that dinner was being served and we were called to the table.
Grandpa would clear his throat and there were tears brimming in his eyes and a catch in his voice as we all bowed our heads and thanked God for this day and His provision in our lives. When dinner was finished, we would sit around and sing Irish songs and I just loved sitting on Grandpa's lap (he called me his American Beauty Rose). We went home from our traditional Thanksgiving family reunion feeling blessed and content.
Remembering such times is a happy recollection for me. What a blessing to have such a rich heritage, and as I reflect with fondness upon my childhood this year, I am reminded of my earthly parents. What undeserving grace I was given when the Lord chose for me to be born into my family. I cherish their love, support and encouragement. I also have been blessed with a husband who is a treasure beyond measure, a gift from the hand of God, who is the most Christ-like person I have ever met, my best earthly friend. I have been given the gift of four beautiful children, and their many personalities are like a rainbow of color in my life, forever reminding me that God has given them to me to train ME up. I have learned so much from them. Our five grandchildren are opening new doors for us to see God's hand at work. I have been graced with the blessing of good friends, and I find the work that God has given me to do challenging and rewarding. My cup is full......I want for nothing...
I now can see more clearly, that the richest heritage of all that I have been given, is being an heir to salvation in Jesus Christ. The privilege of being daughter to the King of Kings is what I am most grateful for. I am reminded, that we are but pilgrims ourselves in this strange land -- looking for a city whose builder and maker is God. This is not our destination, for we have another home that we look to, and how thankful we need to be that we do not walk this walk alone..for we have one who sticks closer than a brother. Just as those first pilgrims looked for a land of freedom, we have found that land of milk and honey in Christ.
Oh, Lord Jesus, how grateful I am that you saved a sinner such as me -- I am not worthy to so much as gather the crumbs under your table, but you, by your infinite grace, you shed your blood, and made it possible to come into intimate relationship with you so we are not separate anymore. You prepare a banquet table for us with your own hands and bid us to come and partake of your goodness. A table of Thanksgiving has been set each time we partake of Holy Communion, remembering all that you sacrificed for us so that we may sit at table with you .....a family joined together in love, to worship and to praise you.
Use our hands, our voice, our whole being to bid others to come. Let us not only acknowledge your gifts to us during this season, but daily may we walk in humble remembrance of your sacrifice. Let us never forget from whence we came, and may we always be ready and willing to reach out to others, loving them with your touch, your provision, and your encouragement. We want to be vessels of honor, willing to put feet to our faith so that we may serve you not only in word, but in deed also. Oh, that we might be examples of your mercy, with the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives. Lord, no matter what earthly family we have come from, I thank you that you give us opportunity to experience what a real family is like. Help us to be a true family in Christ Jesus, walking in oneness and unity, with ties of love binding us together. How we desire to walk uprightly before you, laying down our lives so Your light might shine. Let Your Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you Lord, for your son, Jesus.
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be with us, teaching, guiding, comforting and directing our steps..but most importantly, Thank you God for being you.
Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you, and I pray that YOUR hearts will be overflowing this Thanksgiving with His love, and joy, acknowledging afresh and anew that all honor and power and glory be unto His Name for ever and ever. Amen
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DEAREST ONES...
I LOVE YOU .....
GOD BLESS YOU.......
Pastor Donna
