[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Thanksgiving Day 2006

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotion Thursday November 23, 2006

This week's devotions are written by Seminarian Kelsay Parker.  The holidays
bring forth grief, anxiety, and stress in subtle ways:  we feel the loss of
loved ones deeply, we mourn relationships that have been broken in our
lives, we worry about making ends meet, and we stress about the "perfect
party."  This week's devotions are an opportunity to regroup, reflect, and
refocus on the heart of the holidays, the grace of God, the gift of Jesus.

 

Isaiah 40:31 

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not
be faint."

 

I recently watched a segment of a morning news show.  As part of the
segment, the guest presented steps for a successful and "stress-free"
Thanksgiving gathering.  The steps were as follows:

            1.  Bake the pies

2.  Prep the side dishes

            3.  Prepare and begin the Turkey

            4. Complete the side dishes, bake, and keep warm

            5.  Prepare an appetizer

            6.  Carve turkey and make gravy

            7.  Serve and enjoy!

WHEW!!  I was exhausted just watching the clip!!!  These can be exhausting
times - there is food to prepare, the house to clean, the guests to
entertain.  Isaiah 40 reminds us that our strength is renewed by God.  After
all of our tiring tasks, we place our hope in God.hope that no matter how
the turkey turns out, or how "perfect" a host we are - we are loved, we are
forgiven, we are claimed as God's own children.  Have a restful, peaceful,
grace-filled Thanksgiving.

 

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