Thanksgiving Stories Around the Table
November arrives each year and we begin thinking about family get-togethers and church events to help feed people in need. If we are truly organized, preparations may have already started in October. Our family enjoys gathering together for the Thanksgiving meal.
Due to the pandemic, this year will be different for many people, including our family. We also have a new grandbaby arriving in November. Doctor has recommended daughter-in-love and son and 3 years old grandson quarantine two weeks before the baby sister arrives and for a period after she arrives.
This means we won’t be having a typical big family celebration together.
Each part of the family will be sharing a Thanksgiving meal in a different way.
Our family in other parts of the country will have the meal at their home. Alan and I will have a meal at our home. Each person will be in our thoughts and prayers.
In the past, my husband Alan and I have served meals at the local shelter for people who needed a meal. Due to current restrictions, there will be “pick up” meals instead of “sit down and dine” meals.
Even though Thanksgiving may look different this year, there is still opportunity to share the love of Christ.
We can share stories around the table. We can share what we are thankful for and we can encourage children to share, too. From heartfelt memories to funny stories, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for bonding and sharing blessings.
What if we all take the time to pause and share stories of what we are grateful for? Sharing those Thanksgiving stories around the table may bring laughter and may even bring tears. Whatever the moment brings, we can be thankful for the love of God.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Melissa Henderson
Beautiful thoughts, Melissa! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Crystal. Happy Thanksgiving!
Melissa, we will be doing the same – just my husband and I will be at our Thanksgiving dinner. Our family is so far away and those close by are quarantining as well. But the Lord will be present, and as you said, our loved ones will be here in our thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving.
We will miss our loved ones, but you are correct. The Lord will be present. We will call our loved ones and do video chat, too. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
I’m grateful that with all the horrific experiences our family endured this year that we are all still alive, able to communicate via Facetime or Zoom, and that next year promises to hold more times that we’ll be able to see one another. This year has been like no other. Thank you for sharing your own unique Thanksgiving. Congratulations on the soon-to-be-born grandbaby!
Your family is in my prayers Melinda. The grand baby was born on Friday, Nov. 13th. A girl. Eden is her name. We are thanking God for healthy and happy baby and Mommy. Eden joins big brother Rowan, Mommy, Daddy and doggy Olive.
Agree, Melissa. Although Thanksgiving may look different this year for most of us, “there is still opportunity to share the love of Christ.” Happy Thanksgiving!
Amen. We can share the love of Christ at any time of year. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
I love this. Even though it’s hard, there’s something kind of exciting about a “different” holiday. This year we might be in quarantine (we shall see; fingers crossed!). But we did get to “adopt” a family and buy them Thanksgiving groceries, which was a REALLY beautiful experience. There is beauty in change and difference. We just need to look for it a little deeper sometimes.
I love how you adopted a family. There are many wonderful ways to show God’s love, even in this difficult time. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Thanks Melissa. I agree. I am so thankful that my two daughters are healthy and willing to keep themselves and others safe during this crazy time. It will be different, but instead of feeling sad that I don’t get to be with them for Thanksgiving, I’m going to be even more thankful that God has simply give me the two best gifts ever.
What a wonderful perspective! Instead of being sad, we can remember to thank God for all His blessings. Yes! Yes! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for this reminder to focus on what we can do rather than on what we can’t do.
Thank you Ava. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you Melissa as I am sure many will be spending time away from their family but will still have them in their thoughts and prayers! May God bless you and your family!
Thank you Lee Ann. Families may be apart, but we can still pray for one another. Happy Thanksgiving!