Gò0dNews for Everyone
A Different Thanksgiving
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by Linda Ray Center
efore COVID-19, we lived in a super fast-paced
cleaning or extra food to cook. Be thankful for the roof
world. People ran a mad race to finish their days.
above your heads, the ability to buy food, and the
Let’s use what we have learned from the pandemic to
people in your life. Better yet, look for ways to serve
help us move more smoothly through the holidays. Today it seems we operate at a snail’s pace. Our
people who need a warm meal or smile. Did you ever stop to think why David wrote about
world has changed in ways we never imagined. There are
the goodness of God in Psalm 23? “The Lord makes me
longer lines to check out of the stores we give business to.
lie down in green pastures.” Enjoy the outdoors this
Our phone calls are put on extended holds to talk to the
Thanksgiving. Look around at God’s creation and reflect on
next available person. We need an appointment to go to
how the Lord provides. “He leads me beside still waters.”
most places, then wait to enter their establishment. The holidays are an optimal time to assess where we are in our lives. • Let’s escape from our past hectic Thanksgivings when our focus was Black Friday, not thankful Thursday. Taking a slower pace helps us to focus on the essential and leads to a greater appreciation for life and a new level of happiness. During this unusual time, I have learned people in our lives are gifts from God. It is a privilege to serve them, not impress them. • Make time between tasks at home, and move at a
Stillness brings a refreshing encounter when we are weary.
comfortable pace. Make an effort to rest between to-do
“He restores my soul.” Rest for our souls is only by the
lists. Concentrate on what you have accomplished
power of God. Let stillness renew our minds.
instead of what is left to do. • Prioritize relationships. Spending time with family and
My heart breaks for all those who have endured horrendous losses this year. However, I believe the Lord
friends cultivates joy. People who surround themselves
restores His people. He holds us in the palm of His
with joy prepare for the holidays easier, not harder. In
hand. He will never leave us. Hope for a new and better
the past, I made several trips to buy groceries for guests
world provides reasons to be thankful during this
who were coming for Thanksgiving. This year, I will
different Thanksgiving.
start earlier and plan better to make one trip. If I forget • Words have the power to change our actions. Avoid the “poor me” attitude and grumbling about house
30 // November 2020
About The Author
something, I’ll make do. Linda Ray Center is a blogger, motivational speaker, and a relationship builder. Linda and her husband reside in the Deep South. www.lindaraycenter.com.
