Every Thanksgiving, people overcook and overeat; it seems as if it is the American tradition to do so and complain later about the weight gain, the fatigue, and the "oh what are we going to do with all this leftover food." I am choosing to be thankful for the leftovers this year and to change this tradition of man by grabbing the unhealthy thought patterns and holding them captive to God's word.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. - Phl 4:8 NKJV
What a thought! Think about noble things, which mean things that are acceptable to God. These things are holy, honest, honorable, modest, friendly, and well-spoken of and this is the meaning of Paul's words in his letter to the Philippians as they were translated into English.
It is not always easy to think about good things or delight in the Lord during the holidays as we celebrate manmade traditions. There's a saying that states that you can never have enough of the good things, but I would say it depends on what you consider good.
I admit that my thoughts around the holidays have not been the best thoughts for several years, and I know when I enter October, my feelings will try to overrun God's word. I choose the battle when I choose to enjoy the leftovers instead of grumbling about them.
For almost a decade, my husband was in law enforcement, and he never had a Thanksgiving or Christmas day off in that entire time. Our traditions changed during that time. Because of his career and the choices others in our family made, the family gatherings were altered. I cannot say I handled it with the character of God, nor did the fruit of the Holy Spirit overrule my emotions in those early years all the time. Praise God I have been healed in many areas, and I continue to seek Jesus for His loving touch on the tender places of my heart that still need some help.
When my husband chose to give up his career in law enforcement to pastor full-time, we had an opening in our schedule, and the holidays were now free to be celebrated on the days they fell on, or so we thought. It turns out that didn't happen and may never happen again as others have developed their traditions around such days, and we get what is available. I can either wallow in self-pity and rejection or take the leftovers and enjoy every moment of them with those I am