“Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth…but store up for yourselves
treasures in heaven….” Matthew 6:19-20
Make this Thanksgiving special by focusing
on what is most important. Though we often
have fond memories of our favorite foods,
that tasty turkey or to-die-for dessert can
only be a memory nothing more. What will
be lasting is the relationships you nurture
during the feast. Don’t let the temporary
lure of the dinner deter you from enjoying
lifes precious moments with those you love.
One way to build strong relationships is to
learn to listen. Most people like to hear
themselves talk. Good listeners demonstrate
care, concern, and interest in the individual
and what they are saying. God gave us all
two ears and one mouth for a reason. You
can enhance the conversation by
maintaining eye contact as much as
possible.
Keep the momentum going by asking
questions: How did you get started in wood
carving? What prompted you to get into the
ice cream business? Was it in college that
you discovered your gift for writing or
something else? Are you going to eat that?
If you are the host for this dinner, be
thinking about how your guest might be of
help. Most guests are more than willing to
pitch in to set the table or stir the gravy. Or
if you are the guest, offer to help. Your host
may say no, but if you watch carefully, you
will find a way to be helpful. Working
together in practically any endeavor is a
quick way to strengthen a relationship. This
can be especially true if you don’t mind
helping clean things up! (And that’s not
simply eating the last piece of pumpkin
pie!) You can earn extra points for being
willing to take out the trash.
Remember, this is Thanksgiving! As the
host be sure to thank your guests for making
this a special day not just by being present,
but that they are a blessing to your life
because…. Be real, be sincere, and make
your thankfulness apparent. Sometimes we
are guilty of being way too superficial.
Make your thanksgiving authentic.
If you are blessed to be a guest in
someone’s home, make your feelings
known. Thank your host for the food and
the fellowship for sure. But also share what
it meant to you to have a home and family
to share in this special holiday.
Most of all this Thanksgiving, keep the
eternal perspective. “Don’t work for the
food that perishes, but for the food that lasts
for eternal life.” (Jn 6:27) Nurture the
relationships that will carry you well
beyond Thanksgiving Day!
Blessed by you…. Bro. Sherman
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