A Different Thanksgiving

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A Different Thanksgiving

by Linda Ray Center

Before 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. people who need a warm meal or smile.

Today it seems we operate at a snail’s pace. Our 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. My heart breaks for all those who have endured • Prioritize relationships. Spending time with family and 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 something, I’ll make do. 30 // November 2020 • Words have the power to change our actions. Avoid the “poor me” attitude and grumbling about house About The Author Linda Ray Center is a blogger, motivational speaker, and a relationship builder. Linda and her husband reside in the Deep South. www.lindaraycenter.com.