Thankful Hearts Prepare
The forecast is for snow, three to five inches! Yes, I’m totally excited. While many consider the sloppy weather a nuisance, I love it…especially the first snow of the season. It sets my eyes and heart on the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
With my eldest son away at college, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving even more than I usually do. Scott and I are hosting this year. I’m anxious to plan the meal and get the house ready for my son as well as family and friends. (After eating dorm food for three months, he’s looking forward to coming home!) Most of all, I’m grateful we can spend time together as an extended family.
This month, let’s use our time together to prepare our hearts and homes for the holidays. Not with busy, dash as fast as you can checklists but with thoughtful and intentional ways to make the most of this beautiful time of the year, starting with Thanksgiving. How can we show love and appreciation to one another and to the Lord?
Focus on thankfulness by making a chart. At dinner or bedtime, record a blessing for each member of the family. At the end of the week, read the many blessings written on the chart. Continue the following week, through Thanksgiving. God’s gifts are numerous. A thankful heart comes from noticing and acknowledging the gifts we are given.
In regard to preparing for Thanksgiving Day, if you’re hosting decide if you’re preparing the whole meal or allowing family and friends to assist with side dishes or dessert. Plan the menu and have options available for those who want to help you. Consider having jobs ready for guests too; whipping cream for the pie, mashing potatoes, helping little ones fill their plates.
If you’re a guest for the holiday meal, think of how you can show your gratitude. Do you have an awesome pumpkin pie recipe or a bakery you really like? Plan ahead, get the ingredients ready and schedule a time to bake or order the dessert early. Another way to show your appreciation is with a thoughtful hostess gift, homemade or store bought. Involve the kids by making bread or cookies. Wrap a bottle of olive oil or maple syrup in a kid decorated gift bag. Individually sign the thank you note. Have your kids present the hostess with the token of your family’s gratitude.
There are many reasons to be grateful each day. It’s a gift to have one special day, Thanksgiving, set aside just to give thanks.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34
© 2013 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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