Ephesians 5:20- And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh, Thanksgiving. How wonderful you are. With your turkey, green beans, deviled eggs, and pumpkin pie. With the way you bring our whole family together for the day. With the way you remind us to be grateful for what we have instead of wishing for what we don’t have.
My family celebrates Thanksgiving at our Mammy’s house back in West Virginia. I can see the back of Mammy at the stove, still working on the gravy and putting the finishing touches on an out-of-this-world meal. And then there’s Pappy at the drink station, making sure everyone has their cup of ice and favorite drink. My parents catch up with extended family at the “adult table,” and my siblings and cousins hang out in the tv room watching Elf.
Later on in the evening, my mom plays Christmas carols on the piano while we all sing at the top of our lungs. And to finish the day, we venture outdoors in the dark, the brisk air taking our breath away. We stand out at the road and wait for Pappy to turn on all his Christmas lights. Wow, they are so beautiful. They represent what the holidays are all about. Lovely moments of joy, twinkling and shining bright for us to always remember.
Reflecting back on Thanksgiving in the states doesn’t make me sad…it brings me great joy. It puts a smile on my face and laughter in my heart. I feel very blessed. So much to be thankful for. My family is healthy and alive. How amazing is that.
***Random thought: Always treat people like it is the last time you will ever see them.***
All World Racers have a different experience for the holidays depending on what country they are in and their ministry situation. For Team Unsilenced in Honduras, Thanksgiving looks like taking our host family to the city to have dinner at Chili’s. They’ve done so much for us this month, so we wanted to let them know how much we appreciate them.
Instead of walking outside into the cold, we walk outside and begin sweating like pickles (inside joke). Instead of turkey, we will be having Chili’s, and the usual milk and bread for breakfast probably, and maybe some rice and beans. Instead of being with my family back home, I’m surrounded by my teammates, who love me with such a Christ-like love that it’s indescribable.
Having an attitude of gratitude goes a long way, especially on the World Race. I can sit here and complain about not being home with my family for the holidays, or I can thank God for this journey He’s called me on and all the beauty He has revealed to me.
One day last week, I was really struggling…or as I like to call it, on the “Struggle Bus.”
I couldn’t stop sweating, and there was nothing I could do to fix it. There was literally no place to go for me to be alone. I was REALLY hungry, and we were out of snacks. I wanted to be home more than anything. I felt weak. I felt like a failure. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough to make a difference here in Zolano. I was easily irritated by things that would never bother me normally. I was miserable.
I began to pray with Grace, and then I felt led to write down all the things I had to be thankful for in that moment. I ended up filling two whole pages in my journal. And my attitude turned completely around.
I’m thankful for the good and bad days out here in Honduras. The good days are, well, awesome!! While the bad days strengthen my character and remind me that God’s not done with me yet. God’s not done with you yet either. Keep on keepin’ on, friends. And remember…
Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday…it’s an attitude.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
