Reflections by Joseph Ostrander
What an enjoyable, and tasty, Sunday we spent together in celebration of being the Coastland’s eclectic family. And being thankful did not have to be coerced from those in attendance. I am not usually prone to affix a supernatural ‘spirit’ to such happenings, or attitudes, as if there were an inexplicable presence conjured up and responsible for such feelings of gratitude. But there was a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude that could be felt once I stepped into the gym with the festive tables awaiting us in proper Thanksgiving fashion…
Thanks to all the planners, helpers and creative expressions that made the gathering so enjoyable!
{sigh}
I believe the setting aside of Thanksgiving as a national holiday was the closest thing to a federally sanctioned Holy Day that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed in 1863 to be a reoccurring permanent holiday. It was during the Civil War when a federal day of: “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens” became a fixed date to be celebrated annually on the last Thursday in November here in the United States.
And to me, it is the most enjoyable, and highly anticipated holiday I look forward to each year. What could be more heavenly than gathering together with loved ones while enjoying good food, libations, and football! Okay, okay, the temptation to watch football is almost irresistible, however, ignoring all electronic distractions while basking in the presence of family and friends is how the day is best celebrated.
Chris mentioned that thankfulness and gratitude refuel his emotional reservoir. Contentment and appreciation are closely related. Are there legitimate needs we all have that can be the source of varying degrees of anxiety that results in ardent petitions to the Almighty for His providence? Of course. However, I think one way to reverence Thanksgiving is to simply calm all the outside and inner voices clamoring for our attention to indulge in wants. Thanksgiving is best enjoyed being mindful of the priceless blessings we already enjoy. It’s the irreplaceable things that are the most precious, right?
Family, friends, and loved ones. The changing of the seasons. Natural beauty. Good food. Good wine. The sharing of these good things in community. Laughter. Love. The amazing smells wafting up from the kitchen permeating the entire house. Cozy fires. Crisp Autumn air. Hot apple cider. Pies of every kind (yes Jesus!). The next generation of babies, wobbly toddlers and youngsters full of boundless energy. The noisy cacophony of many excited conversations going on all at once 'round the Thanksgiving Table…
This, for me, is the best picture of what we will be doing on a regular basis in the next life. Unhurried. No distractions. Repeatable. And the guest list will never have to be amended because those invited were in an accident, or were sick, or had died…or didn’t like your cooking!
Yes indeed. What a wonderful way to practice what I believe will be the norm in The New Jerusalem and my cozy little farmhouse surrounded by a small vineyard in a bucolic valley nearby…
Come on over anytime you feel like. The food and wine will be plentiful, simple and delicious, and we can enjoy it together at our leisure…
Okay now, take in a big breath with me...hold it for a few brief seconds...and exhale slowly...
Ahhhhhh......
Have a very blessed Thanksgiving Coastland's saints...
Shalom…