November 24 THANKSGIVING DAY 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)
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 her famous collard greens simmering in that cast iron frying 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, in the same house, eating 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. As a Christian, I was obligated to “Love” her, but the reality was, I just simply did not like her! Well, Mama used this as an opportunity to teach a “Life’s Lesson.” 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, but I also developed a fondness, for her, and the “act” changed into reality! When this lady passed away, I was asked to officiate at 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 Little Boy!” Those days are gone now, yet, the memories of those amazing days linger in my mind, and believe it or not, our home is now the gathering place for family and friends, and my Annette is the one cooking the amazing turkey and dressing and collards and all the trimmings. The venue has changed, and the people have changed, yet the love and fellowship are just as sweet as those days gone by! As I reflect on this time and this opportunity, I am encouraged and excited about 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 for Mama, the first one who taught me how to be thankful and to be real doing it! Mama knew that I needed to be reminded of the commitment to love one another and she helped me understand that, often, that is a process! Regardless of how you achieve it, Loving, each other, and being Grateful for God Grace is REQUIRED!!! Be Thankful, Be Gracious, and be TRUE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Pastor Glen & Annette