November 26 THANKSGIVING 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Sadly, due to the COVID19 Coronavirus issues, we have suspended our traditional Thanksgiving gathering. We have delayed our fellowship until the Spring. God willing, we will gather together with family and dear friends, at that time, however, we are still thankful and we are still expressing gratitude to our Savior for His Bounty and Blessings!
(HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BRIDE! I LOVE YOU, ANNETTE!!)
Thanksgiving was always (and still is) one of my favorite holidays. Mama always made our house smell of roasting turkey, of sweet potatoes cooking in the oven, pecan pies and pumpkin pies, and the unmistakable smell of collard greens simmering in the pan. Our home was the meeting place for family and friends and Mama was in her element, as she cooked all the food, so that her family and close friends could enjoy. We always had that one individual that I didn’t want to be in the same county with, much less, eat with them, however, Mama always said that I had to act like I liked her, at least, for the short time she was with us. Mama knew that if I cultivated a tolerance for this person, and repeated it, that it would soon become a reality. Oh how right she was! I not only tolerated this person, I actually developed a fondness for her and the “act” did become reality! When this lady passed away, I was asked to do her funeral and I thought about Mama and the lesson learned. I thank God for Mama and her simple, yet profound wisdom and her ability to share it with her “hardheaded boy!” Those days are gone now, yet, the memories of those amazing days still linger in my mind, and believe it or not, our home is now the gathering place for family and friends, and Annette is the one cooking the amazing turkey and dressing and collard greens and all the trimmings. The venue has changed and the people have changed, yet the love and fellowship is just as sweet as those days gone by. As I reflect on this time and this opportunity, I am encouraged and excited about all of the blessings that we enjoy. I remember Mama’s lesson, that all of us can act a certain way for a brief period of time, for instance, on Thanksgiving. Who of us hasn’t had to act like we were glad that everyone was at the table? Remember Mama’s lesson, that a brief show of good behavior is not true character. Our character is who we are when no one is looking. I am grateful to Mama, the first one who taught me how to be thankful and to be real doing it! Be Thankful, Be Gracious, and Be True! THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND FOREVER YET TO BE!! Happy Thanksgiving! Pastor Glen & Annette