Who will be at your Thanksgiving dinner?

Published 11:53 pm Wednesday, November 20, 2024

‘Tis the season of thanksgiving. For some, that thanksgiving comes easy as they examine their lives. Others might do the same and walk away from that reflection with disappointment.

The masks of Halloween have been removed, and our true selves are laid as bare as the trees in late fall. For some the realization of shorter days, adverse weather and the pretense of holiday get-togethers can be overwhelming. Thanksgiving tends to be a time of anything but for countless individuals. If not careful, I can become one of them.

I often find myself looking in three directions, especially during the holidays. Two areas of focus tend to lead to depression. The third fills me with great hope.

Like many, I often find myself looking at others and judging my own self-worth based on my perception of them. This leaves me jealous and angry. Life seems to be a continual struggle. Trying to stay afloat in freezing water it seems that those around me are sailing in a warm breeze.

Although I realize that each of us tend put up a good front as we face our own struggles, I am tempted to believe otherwise. Comparing myself to others is depressing as on the one hand I believe they have it all together and on the other I realize we are in the same boat.

This often causes me to shift my focus and look for something more within myself. This leads to thoughts of “could have, should have, might have”… etc. Thus, disappointment set in.

I found that being truly thankful has nothing to do with comparing ourself with others. Nor is it wrapped up in how we view ourselves.

Looking out and looking in can never create a grateful heart the way that looking up can.  So, I find myself looking in the only direction that makes sense.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 12, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”  Jesus is the only constant in our universe, our only source of hope, and the only means of peace with our Creator.

Whether your list of things for which to be thankful is lengthy or non-existent, may we each be thankful for a savior that felt as we feel and overcame death itself.

Paul goes on to say,

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”

If you find that looking at others and examining yourself leaves you without hope, may you find peace in Jesus who is now seated at the right hand of God inviting us to join Him.

“‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” -Revelation 3:20

Have you opened the door to Jesus?