This devotional was written four years ago, when I was still a man and ate meat. Things have changed.
Rerun of Daily Devotional November 22, 2017
Yesterday Shannon called and asked if I would stop at HEB on the way home to pick up a meat thermometer. I was very excited because HEB is one of my favorite stores because it sells my favorite thing – food.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I realized that was the exact same moment everyone else in Bell County had also decided to go to HEB. I finally found a parking spot at the far end of the parking lot. Then as I was walking into the store, a stressed out looking man carrying too many bags looked at me and said, “Good luck.” When I walked into the store I saw why.
All the aisles were jam packed with people. It was insane. At that moment, my good mood turned bad.
I didn’t want to have to struggle through a mass of humanity for a meat thermometer. I didn’t want to stand in a long checkout line for one item. I didn’t want to be there.
Then I began to wonder why we didn’t have a meat thermometer at home. I realized all of this was Shannon’s fault.
For better or worse, Thanksgiving will be here tomorrow. Most of it will be wonderful but it is also an opportunity for additional stress. Shopping in overcrowded grocery stores, driving on the highway with stop and go traffic, and putting up with that one insane member of the family (and everyone has one), is enough to push you over the edge. Suddenly, what is supposed to be a blessed time becomes just the opposite.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s your choice. Your attitude will determine whether you have a good Thanksgiving or a bad one.
Yes, there will be frustrating moments. So what? That’s life. But the exasperating situations that each of us face during the holidays do not have to dictate our attitude. We choose.
On Thanksgiving, choose to follow the advice of The Teacher: “Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
Celebrate and give thanks to God for all the blessings in your life. And if you need a meat thermometer, they are on aisle thirteen at HEB.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please don’t let the small frustrating moments of the holidays prevent me from celebrating and giving thanks. Help me to keep everything in its proper perspective. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Because tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we have family visiting, I will not be writing Daily Devotionals for Thursday or Friday.
My family wishes you a blessed Thanksgiving where you celebrate God’s goodness.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 