Who can deny that food and holidays go together? Thanksgiving is no exception. Spending time with dear family members can only be made sweeter by a table laden with food. My mouth is already watering in anticipation of all the delectable things that will make up the Thanksgiving Day feast.
I imagine myself loading my plate with all kinds of goodies - pumpkin pie topped with real whipped cream, just a sliver of the pecan pie, and oh, I can't pass by the apple bread without having just a little. A dessert connoisseur's dream. But in this dream of mine, something is missing. Food that will truly nourish my body. If my plate is loaded solely with sweets, it'll only be a matter of time before my body craves what it really needs - proper nutrients. You know, the ones found in the turkey, green beans, squash, and cranberry relish, also on the table.
When fueled with the appropriate balance of food, my body is able to function properly. The problem: sometimes I fall prey to eating the things that sound good to me, rather than those that are good for me.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without taking time to reflect on the past year's blessings. However, in a rush to finish cleaning the house, prepare the mid-day meal, and welcome family, I sometimes leave out what I really need - time spent with my Savior; praising Him for His goodness. Time allowing Him to orchestrate my days in such a way that balance is restored during a time that tends to get chaotic.
Consider the beautiful metaphor spoken by Jesus himself, "I am the the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst," (John 6:35). Sweets cannot satisfy my body's hunger, neither can my soul be satisfied in living a life apart from Christ.
As you get together with friends and family this year, and put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving Day feast, remember to make plenty of room for what will truly satisfy - the Lord, Jesus Christ!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are! Thank You for the blessings you pour out in my life. Help me to enjoy a time of worshiping and praising You this Thanksgiving - remembering that it IS all about You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Sweets cannot satisfy by body's hunger, neither can my soul be satisfied in living a life apart from Christ."
ReplyDeleteI love that! I was just praying this morning for my brother, who is living life apart from Christ, that in all his searching (he's an avid reader of classic works from all eras, always studying something) that he would be drawn back to Christ. My brother is trying to live life on his own terms, to only eat the "sweets." Thank you for confirmation that my prayers are heading in the right direction.
Melissa - Thanks so much for sharing your heart! It's so easy to fall into the trap of living for self. Even as a believer, I sometimes find myself thinking that life's about my enjoyment and happiness. Know that I'll be praying for your brother - that He'd see the Lord for who He really is, and be drawn back to Christ. Appreciate your transparency. God bless you as you continue to seek Him, my friend! :)
ReplyDeleteHi there dear one, Love this post! I also love the way the turkey was presented. You are so right, if we only nourish our physical bodies and not our spiritual we will live empty lives.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Blessings, Noreen
So true! I had that today, I neglected my morning time with God and boy, did I feel it. Reminded me that nothing, nothing is more important than feeding on Him. Though I am looking forward to pecan pie!
ReplyDeleteThank you putting it into perspective, Maria. It's easy to gourge ourselves at the table and simply forget who our Provider is. On a spiritual level, we do the same, choosing to cater to our desires instead of spending time to praise God. If we praise Him, then we start to see all the things we have to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Thanksgiving!
Noreen - Great to see you! As the years go by, I'm more aware that my body needs the nutrients and not the empty calories! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, as well! God bless!
ReplyDeleteSusan - Hey lady! I know what you're talking about. Those days that I just hop into the day - I definitely recognize a difference. Nothing quite like starting the day in acknowledgment of the Savior! Time well spent! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteBrandi - Have to say a wholehearted 'Amen' to your comment! We have so much to be thankful for - and not just on Thanksgiving! Working on my willpower today, so I'll be able to eat in moderation...Have a very blessed Thanksgiving, my friend! :)
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving is truly a satisfying time, especially when getting together with loved ones and sharing wonderful food. Thank you for your post and the reminder of how Jesus satisfies!
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