Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace, Love, And Peace

November ushers in the holidays! These wonderful celebrations are filled with good times and difficult times as we attempt to communicate and relate well to family members in hopes of extending love, grace, and peace.

I read a verse recently that struck me as important as I begin to navigate this season. Paul challenges us, love…

“is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked (or overly sensitive and easily angered); it does not take into account a wrong endured.” ( I Cor.13:5)

I don’t know about you, but I have endured wrongs, been rudely treated, felt overly sensitive, and at times offended during these family gatherings. But I love my family…and miss them terribly when we are apart.

This year, my hope is to take my eyes off myself and instead consider their needs and concerns that may be causing the “acting out” that feels hurtful. I will attempt to be quiet, thoughtful, generous in my responses, and very, very prayerful.

Like you, I only want the very best for my family members at all times in every way. I love them. And in a culture plagued with distrust, anger, and hate, may I demonstrate a supernatural caring empowered by the Holy Spirit that brings love and light to a weary world.

You pray for me please and I will pray for you, my dear friends. I look forward to hearing with gratitude how God worked as we prayed together during this time of Thanksgiving for Jesus Christ and those we love so much.