Normally at this time of year, I would be writing posts about lefse, pie, rolls, stuffing bread, and table settings. But COVID has brought changes to Thanksgiving this year. How we choose to deal with the changes due to a governor’s proclamations will make a difference between being grateful and grumpy! Let me encourage you with the Word.
Do not despair of the changes
We will not be crushed, abandoned, or destroyed. God holds us in His hand and will provide for us. He has made a way for us to be together to celebrate and give thanks for his provision and grace. In our state, the governor’s proclamation on November 15th says:
Is a COVID test too much to do to be able to be together? After all, most of us are quarantined anyway due to the reinstatement of “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” so that part is covered.
Watch for God’s provision through the changes
I have often shared this Scripture as my husband and family have navigated changes thrust upon us in the last few years. It is still true in this Thanksgiving season.
It doesn’t matter how empty the grocery store shelves may be, if you are open to God’s provision it will come. He may use neighbors, family, the local church or foodbank. But your needs will be provided for as long as you are willing to set aside pride and recognize those He uses.
Choose to be at peace in the changes
In today’s climate of political and social unrest, it is easy to grow restless and worried. Despite the upheaval around us, we can choose to be at peace.
It’s okay to keep up with current events but don’t get so tied to the news that you become depressed and unsettled. Regardless of what is on the news, God is in control and only what he allows to happen does.
Have courage for the changes
We need to not live in fear of a virus or political party. Instead, we need to trust in the power of our God to carry us through the challenges we face. God has given us wisdom and expects us to use it when making decisions about what to do during these trying times.
Wearing masks or separating ourselves is not necessarily being fearful That choice may be the best practice of wisdom. It’s okay to take precautions we are able to but not to be bullied into taking precautions that are contraindicated by our own pre-existing conditions.
Share His grace as changes come
In today’s social climate, grace is lacking. We need to be ambassadors of God’s grace in our behavior and our words. There is an old hymn that is so appropriate in our time.
O to be His hand extended,
Reaching out to the oppressed.
Let me touch Him,
Let me touch Jesus,
So that others may know and be blessed.
It’s easy to let ourselves feel as if we are oppressed and put upon. But it takes courage and grace to reach out to God and to ask Him to reveal His grace through us to those around us. We are surrounded by individuals that truly have been oppressed and beaten down, and it’s time that we choose to be His hand extended to them instead of focusing on our own wants and desires. We have what we need and we need to share it.
May you be blessed as you participate in Thanksgiving this year alone or with others. Be grateful for God’s provision and grace. Be His hand of grace reaching out to others.
Thank you for letting me share my heart for home and family with you this Thanksgiving season!
