The Blessings Keep Coming
Here we are — the day after Thanksgiving. The dishes were washed, the leftovers were stacked in the fridge and the cooks of America finally sat down for the first time in 48 hours.
For some, today is the great exhale after pouring heart and soul into a feast of epic proportions. For others? It’s the annual sound of the starter pistol: On your mark… get set… SHOP! Black Friday has officially begun.
But for us? Today is a different kind of glorious. We’re heading to East Texas where Larry, Staci, and their family are gathering for Round Three of Thanksgiving! More hugs, more eating, more carrot cake, more joy, and yes — more elastic waistbands.
Yesterday’s blessings are still lingering in my heart. First, Thanksgiving at Ryan and Shawntel’s stunning new home in Austin. The table was full of food, family, friends, and even a precious widowed father this year and doing his best to raise his little girl with courage and tenderness. Oh how he and little angel girl basked in the love poured out to both of them.
There was room for all of us — those who came from far away, those who carried heavy hearts, those who needed a place to belong. Isn’t it just like God to give us a table big enough for every story?
Last night came another wave of joy at Carl’s family Thanksgiving. As each person shared what they were thankful for, I could almost see Jesus sitting right there with us. Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people — and I believe He pulled up a chair beside every thankful heart.
And now, today, we turn toward East Texas for more celebrations. If laughter, food, and togetherness were Olympic events, we’d be bringing home the gold.
But here’s what settles deep in my soul this morning: Every person we encountered yesterday was made in the image of God. Every face reflected His handiwork. Every story held traces of Him.
Did you notice Him at your table? In the server who refilled your tea? In the quiet family member who carried unspoken worry?
Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat. I was a stranger and you invited Me in.” (Matthew 25:35) Was He present at your table?
The closer we walk with our Lord and Savior, the easier He is to spot — at the table, the parking lots or in the Black Friday sales lines where patience runs thin.
Wherever we were yesterday and wherever we are today — let’s carry on with Thanks-Living! May encouragement be felt and gratitude be plenty as we look for Jesus in every single person we meet — not just at seasonal gatherings, but every day may we choose to walk, act and look like Jesus!