Give it UP with THANKS!

Picture the scene . . . the name cards are made and set at each place on the table. The children’s handmade feather turkey decoration placed directly in the center. The smell of cooking turkey and dressing is driving me crazy. Then. . . the first group arrives. Hugs and love are spread all around. “So glad you’re here!” “Love you, Grandma and Grandpa.” “Are the other kids coming?” I love it!

Thanksgiving at our house was an amazing event. The bird had cooked all night in the roaster, and the dried cornbread stuffing and pumpkin and apple pies filled the countertops! Oh, it was grand. My favorite part was having everyone around the table thank God for something that had happened that year.

My husband always offered the most precious prayer at Thanksgiving. He had a compassionate heart and there were many people he loved and prayed for. That first Thanksgiving after his sudden death was very hard. I could actually hear him praying and thanking God for each of our children, their individual mates, and all the grandkids by name. But now these responsibilities fall on me. I tend to be a bit emotional when it comes to my kids. I love them dearly and want God’s best for their lives, but it’s harder to say out loud without breaking down. But we get through. There is not a dry eye in the house.

It’s tender times like these that I’d love to see around my great-grandkids’ tables someday. Will the heritage of prayer and thanksgiving be passed on? How does that happen in families?

I truly believe it happens by seeing and hearing their grandparents and parents doing the same thing over and over. Repetition is a great teacher. They need to hear your voice being genuine in the prayer. Do you really mean what you say and do you really care? Are you really talking to Jesus this way? A fast, hurried prayer just so we can eat is not sufficient. We need to see the face of Jesus when we pray. We need to picture kneeling before Him and casting our prayers for each family member at His feet. God knows when we’re genuine and so do kids. They are the best deciphers of someone being true or false in their statements. Ask any kid! They’ll tell you.

So, this THANKSgiving pray up! Give Jesus your full attention when you offer prayers for your family members. Mention them individually even if it’s hard. All of our family members may not be saved but they know that you praying for them individually becomes a very powerful thing. It will make a lifelong impact on them.

“Father, we praise You for all those reading this post. For their commitment to You and their families. I thank you for their love for others, believers or not. I thank you for giving us all of yourself. For making a place for us in Your heaven and preparing it even now. I pray that our Thanksgiving praise may be to You and You alone for every breath we breathe and step we take. Amen!”