Traditions like a Thanksgiving meal with family and friends have been an annual celebration for years. This pandemic year will make travel, gathering, closeness, sharing and food even more challenging or even absent for many.
Different geographic areas have mandates from total bans to health recommendations to non-existence and people must decide whether to travel and gather this year or not. The CDC is urging Americans not to travel, as it has predicted that the virus will spread quickly with cooler weather mixed with inside dining contributing to increased infection numbers. Many people hit economically hard no longer have this choice and even purchasing traditional foods is no longer an option.
Seeing people refuse to wear masks, even disbelieving that they are scientifically proven to help combat the virus gives one pause. Such a simple thing it is to wear a mask to protect oneself and others!
What is still possible is a new way to view Thanksgiving this year. What if it had been canceled altogether? We would miss that delicious food and drink, and certainly the time spent together. But would we still be giving thanks and for what? Is it still a celebratory time without the meal?
Do not get tired of doing what is good. Do not get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Galatians 6:9
How many wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations have you attended in your lifetime? Do you want to have your loved ones together in the future to celebrate? Giving thanks for what we have and will still have if we are safe this year is the best message.
Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a tough year being separated from family, but better times are ahead. Best to keep everyone safe.