James 2:15-17 – New Living Translation (NLT)
Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Holidays can conjure up a mix of emotions. Excitement, melancholy and busyness. But, for many they can be a lonely time of existence. A little over a year ago I moved to Tennessee, leaving behind my two daughters and three precious grandsons “way up north” in Minnesota. I was not prepared for the waves of homesickness that would wash over me that first holiday far away from family & friends I hold dear.
I am thankful for technology. Every week I have a “tech-know grandma” date with my two youngest grandson’s on Saturday morning via Skype. I anxiously wait to see their faces, listen to their laughter and participate in long distance love as their life story unfolds before me complete with sights and sounds on my computer screen. They carry their laptop up the stairs to show me the fantastic creations they have crafted with Legos™ strewn across the bedroom floor.
My oldest grandson who is 12, now has a phone of his own. I take delight in being able to “text” my love to him at unexpected moments. Tidbits of encouragement sent sporadically to remind him that grandma loves him. My greatest joy is receiving back the confirmation; it’s a two-way love affair!
Connection – that is what life is all about. Last year was my first Thanksgiving away from home. My Pastor and his wife started a new tradition. They invited those of us who were going to be alone on that day to a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. Complete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and PIE! I had no idea the blessings I would receive gathered around the table with others who were disconnected from family on that special day. Instead of being sad, my heart was filled with gladness as we shared our lives together thanking God for good food and the gift of friendship. This year I will be on the preparation end helping to lavish love on the new folks He has brought to our congregation.
As you go about preparing for Thanksgiving, stop a moment and ponder – who could you invite to share the day with?
How about?
The grandma/grandpa missing their grandchildren.
A college student unable to “go home” for the holiday.
Your next door neighbor.
An elderly couple from church.
A single parent AND their children.
A widow/widower with a broken and lonely heart.
Jesus – invite Him to sit at your table.
So often our actions speak louder than our words. Close the gap of long distance love by sharing His love with others this Thanksgiving. As they say in Tennessee “Y’all” will be blessed!
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