Today’s scripture: Psalm 100 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Well, it’s that time of year again; time to think about turkey. cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied sweet potatoes, hot buttered rolls, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Sometimes it seems Thanksgiving is mostly about food and lots of it.
I remember Thanksgiving at my mother’s house. All of us would show up with our families prepared to enjoy a feast. Of course, mom did all of the cooking; and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loved cooking for her “brood” as she called us and if everyone came it could be as many as thirty-seven…a brood indeed.
The talking, oh do I remember the talking…everyone talking at the same time; moving from conversation to conversation, as you hear an interesting tidbit or the latest family gossip; kids interrupting; someone calling from across the room to get you to verify something they remember or can’t remember.
And after dinner, bodies everywhere, some sprawled in front of the TV watching the football game, loudly, with kids lying on the floor playing with board games or toys; some still sitting at the dining table planning Christmas and getting the names ready to be drawn so we could leave knowing who we needed to buy a present for; and some in the kitchen cleaning up and talking quietly. You could always tell who had a problem; they always ended up in the kitchen talking with mom.
When I read Psalms 100, I thought of Thanksgiving with my family. I think God would laugh if we came into God’s presence making a joyful noise of laughter and talking, supporting each other loving each other.
Thought for the day: Give thanks for your family today…whether it is your family of origin or your family of choice. Give thanks for those people who love and support you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.