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     Who do I have in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Ps. 73:25-26

     Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unityCol. 3:12-14

     Dear heavenly Father, it’s called the busiest traffic day of the year in America—the day before Thanksgiving. Tens of millions of us are making our way “home,” or will be opening our doors to family and friends, for a day of turkey-basting, goodie-prepping, parade-watching, merry-making, story-telling, sports-enjoying, nap-taking, and more goodie-eating. It’s a great time of year.

Father, thank you for the common joys of life—our family traditions and favorite dishes; for the same old jokes and new glimpses of hope; for the burdens we bear and the longings we share; for the “more” we all want, and the fullness you alone can give.

Indeed, Father, may this be a holiday in which we welcome the reminders that you alone are enough. Give us joy in the circumstances and moments, and for the brokenness and the people, which underscore there’s a place in our hearts reserved only for you—a God-shaped place made for grace. No one is meant to be “the strength of our hearts and our portion” but you. We forget this to our own peril.

So help us to lower our expectations of other people, and raise our anticipation of your faithfulness and goodness. As your chosen and dearly loved children, free us to love to your glory, laugh with the joy of heaven, and serve others with the humility of Jesus. It’s all good with you, Lord; it’s all good.

Thank you that the best Thanksgiving holiday is just a tiny hint, whisper and taste of the eternal feast that is coming; and thank you, that the most difficult one simply prepares us for that great and glorious Day. How we praise you, Father, that your name is Redeemer! So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.

 

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