Abounding In Thank
“I really wanted this to be the year we started our own traditions, but Bob says we will go to the bar again this year for Thanksgiving,” Stacy said. Her voice was thick from choking on the words that showed her traditions weren’t like anyone else’s at the table.
Wait, what?! I didn’t even know the bar was open on Thanksgiving, but far worse, my entire Bible study for this evening wasn’t going to work.
The Bible study was for a ministry called Gifts with Grace. The ministry empowers women facing trauma with the love of Jesus through His word and service. It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and I thought talking through scripture on gratitude would be perfect. So I started with the question, what are your favorite traditions at Thanksgiving? The whole table talked about prayer, food, and family. Stacy, a recovering addict, went last and was devastated that this would not be her year of implementing memorable traditions for her family. She has a two-year-old and thought this was the time to find a normal for them. However, her husband had different ideas.
The group surrounded Stacy in prayer, and I stayed where I was, seeking wisdom to move forward. God gently whispered Psalm 91. Stacy needed a hug from God, and Psalm 91 was perfect!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 ESV
That evening, our group studied Psalm 91, with Stacy highlighting, taking notes, and passionately sharing some of her life with us. By the end of the evening, we all felt like our traditions paled compared to the joy and Thanksgiving Stacy shared with us. She fought through addiction, was clean, had a new daughter and a son who loved and protected her, and most importantly, trusted God to take her to the purpose He has for her. I think she understood the meaning of Thanksgiving better than the rest of us, for sure.
“In everything be giving thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Literal Translation StudyLight.org)
The original language for “be giving thanks” is eucharisteo. The Greek root word charis meaning grace, and the derivative chara is Greek for joy. (The Urban Dictionary and Key Word Study Bible) I love how this brings Thanksgiving, grace, and joy together in such a beautiful way. If we give thanks in all things, then grace is also available to us regardless of the outcome, and that’s where we find absolute joy in life. Thanksgiving, the year my Mom died, was bittersweet. But, I had a plethora of memories to fall back on; years of getting up early to make our portion of the meal, running back and forth to Gramma’s house in anticipation of all the pomp and ceremony that was our Thanksgiving. As my kids grew, we moved into our own traditions, and this is often the only time of year I have my entire family nearby. We have so much fun that week; making gingerbread houses, antiquing, and sharing our lives. Of course, the food is fantastic as well.
That particular year though, meant that once again, things would change. In Mom’s memory, we added a pumpkin dash, a new tradition that brings even more love and laughter to our group. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving..” Colossians 2:6-7Abounding in thanksgiving! That’s what I watched Stacy do that night. She completely bought into the words of Psalm 91, trusted God, and knew her day of traditions would come. But for now, she will “be giving thanks” for the gifts she has and the grace and joy those gifts bring.
That’s what I want for our family too. Whatever we face, especially in these odd times we live in, we will be abounding in thanksgiving with the grace and mercy He gave us through Jesus.
