I’m very excited for tomorrow- our little family will brave the pass and head for Seattle to spend Thanksgiving with my family. There will be about 30 of us seated cozily around a table constructed specifically for Thursday’s feast…aunts, uncles, grandparents, lots of kiddos running around and sticking olives on their fingers like I did when I was a kid. But one thing has changed… ‘the kid’s table‘. Did anyone else have this growing up? My cousins and I grew up eating at ‘the kid’s table’, where the boys would tease us girls until one would threaten to tell the parents or just end up in tears, where we sneaked more candy than was allowed, and where we feasted in laughter with each other, completely happy to be at our own table, but secretly waiting for that day when we’d be the big kids eating at the adult table too. Well, that day never came folks. I know, I know, it’s sad but true. By the time I was old enough for the adult table it had been extended to include all the kids too, and ‘the kid’s table’ was no more. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s better to have everyone at the same table talking and laughing, feasting together. But…couldn’t I have just had one Thanksgiving where I looked in on the little kid’s at their own table and gave them a prideful look that meant ‘I’m older and I sit at the adult table’?!:)
One thing is for sure- I’m so thankful for the memories I have growing up with my big wonderful family, knowing that there were so many people who would always be in my life to love, laugh with, be teased by, and someday give my kids the gift of knowing they have the same amazing gift of family to share memories with through the years. Andrew and I are blessed with some amazing friends too- whom we are very thankful for, especially this time of year.
So…enjoy the turkey, tofu, or whatever you serve up this Thanksgiving, and be aware of the gifts in your life- friends, family, clothes to keep you warm, ‘blankets for my bed’ as one of our high school girls said last Wednesday at youth group. If you’re like me, you eat a delicious home cooked meal and enjoy the day in a warm, inviting house filled with people you care about…but I think of people serving in the military away from home, or those that can hardly scrape together the money for a meal day to day, let alone a multiple dish spread like the ones most of us get to enjoy. Let’s not just be thankful for our own blessings, but let’s put into action our gratefulness and give in whatever way we can to those that aren’t as blessed. Need inspiration? Watch ‘Amazing Grace’- a period film telling the story of William Wilberforce, the antislavery pioneer who helped end slavery in 18th century England.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Have a wonderful week!