The Attitude of Gratitude Saved My Thanksgiving!
While in the kitchen preparing the Thanksgiving feast for my family, the Spirit spoke to my heart regarding my negative attitude. For me, sometimes the holidays can be all about slaving in the kitchen for hours preparing food for those who will gobble it down in moments. Then everyone retreats from the table full and satisfied yet apathic to the huge task of cleaning up the now messy kitchen. At this moment, I then step into the kingdom of martyrdom and self-pity where joy and love have been thoroughly evicted and resentment and anger now reside as I clean the kitchen while my family enjoys one another.
This year, as I stood in the kitchen preparing to do it all again, the Spirit gently asked, “How will today be different?” That question moved me to stop, pray, and give the Lord thanks for my husband, my children and the privilege to serve them as unto the Lord. As a result, I felt my Grinch heart enlarge and my attitude change in an instant and guess what happened? Within moments of praying, my children offered to help prepare dinner. After dinner, I left the kitchen mess and joined in on a great time of playing games with my family and truly enjoying their company. It’s amazing how an attitude of gratitude saved my Thanksgiving. However, I wonder if I’m the only one who struggles with this issue regarding holiday gatherings.
This reminds me of the Martha and Mary story found in Luke 10:38-42. Jesus and His disciple are invited into the home of Lazarus, His friend. Martha gets upset with her sister for sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His teachings instead of helping her with preparations for the guests. She confronts Jesus regarding the matter with, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus’ response reveals the truth about our service to Him and others. Luke 10″41-42 says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”
If our holidays with family and friends are focused on all the preparations and not on the value of fellowship with one another, then we need to change our focus! It is a lesson worth learning and a surefire way to make the holidays more joyous and less stressful. This counsel has worked for me and hope it works for you as well.
Lord, fellowship with others is a time when our witness for You is often on display. Holy Spirit give us the heart of servanthood and remind us that Jesus is in the center of it all. In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen!