Celebrating Today

 

Growing up, Thanksgiving week was holy chaos in our household.  The countertops were cluttered with cans, the turkey took up a home in either the sink of water or a whole shelf in the refrigerator, and windows always seemed to be steamed up as delicious smells came from the kitchen causing your mouth to water. 

 

I remember sneaking a few of the French-fried onions that went on top of the green bean casserole and marshmallows that went on top of the yams.  Looking back, we found many creative ways to make vegetables unhealthy! 

 

I remember Tuesday was pie day.  Mom would make pumpkin and apple.  They would sit out on our screened in porch which doubled as a second “refrigerator” as the temperatures dropped in Iowa.  The smell of spices hung in the air; you could taste the nutmeg.

 

Tuesday was usually the last day of school.  We would write our thanksgivings on the colorful construction paper feathers and glue onto a turkey we cut out.  The hot lunch would feature lumpy mashed potatoes swimming in a sea of gravy.  It was as if Thanksgiving lasted all week long.

 

What memories of Thanksgiving do you have growing up?  Did you travel to see family?  Did you help lend a hand in the kitchen?  What do you remember being taught about why we celebrate this day?  Rewind and remember what this week meant.  If you want, I invite you to find some construction paper and write down your gratitude on some turkey feathers today.  And may you sense the sacred in smiles looking back on meaningful moments from Thanksgivings past.

 

Prayer: Come, ye thankful people, come ~ let us sing songs of prayer and praise everyday to God.