Thanksgiving is upon us, so I’ve made my list, and am checking it twice: Mashed Potatoes (the Make Ahead recipe), Cider Baked Turkey (purchase the juice), Butterhorn Rolls (for Gratitude Rolls), Pumpkin Bars, and I must remember to cut out the card stock for the Leaves of Thanks tradition.
There are so many things to do today as I rush to ready ourselves for our grand feast: a feast to feed the tummies of so many of our loved ones. Yet as I rush, shop, clean, cook, bake, and referee, sometimes I forget to just breathe, and savor the moments we are creating.
While I want to feed tummies, more importantly, my desire is to feed souls.
Will you join me in re-evaluating the check list and prioritizing the essentials for your weekend?
I’ve scribbled my new “To-Do” List.
- Feed Gratitude. As I nurture this quality, joy thrives.
- Feed Flexibility. Our best laid plans may not happen. Guests will be late. Food may get cold, but in the scheme of things, it’s nothing.
- Feed Patience. (Lots of Patience) A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18
- Feed Laughter. There’s nothing better than cultivating an atmosphere of deep belly laughing after a satisfying meal.
- Feed Contentment. With all the Black Friday Sales, it’s difficult to remember the balance of “need vs. want.”
- Feed Compassion. Even though Old Aunt Sue has shared the same story for the fifteenth time, make her feel as if it is the first.
- Feed Encouragement. We’re fragile. A blessed word makes hearts soar.
- Feed Forgiveness. This is the year. Lay it at His feet. Let our Lord carry the burden. Extend forgiveness. Experience freedom.
As I savor the moments of family time this weekend, my “To Do” List reminds me: Feed Them.
This weekend, slow down and remember to feed their soul, their heart, their imagination, their creativity, and of course, their tummy. When the turkey is gone, and the mashed potatoes are cold, all that is left are the shared moments and memories of doing Life together, and I want to make the most of them, don’t you?
What could be added to your new “To Do” List?
Jen Schmidt shares both the beauty and bedlam of her everyday life at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
(This post was inspired by Lisa Leonard’s precious necklace.)
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I absolutely love this list. It is awesome and such a reminder about priorities this time of year. I find myself getting worked up and stressing about the silliest little things that really do not matter. At all. I am going to focus on this list this holiday season. Love it. I might even link to it on my blog, if you don’t mind.
Brittnie – feel free to link it up.
You are not alone in the getting stressed over the silliest things. We have ALL been there. That was why I needed to take a deep breath and re-prioritize because I know that there will be glitches this weekend. 🙂
Beautiful! Thank you for a wonderful reminder today.
This couldn’t be more wonderful! It really helps us remember why we are here and what our focus is supposed to be! God bless you and your family and keep up the great work! Julie
Oh I love that Jen. Now I need that necklace. lol 😉
🙂 I know. It’s simplicity is what I love.
This post is just beautiful. Thanks for reminding us to feed our soul and the soul of others.
Jen I love this reminder!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving sister!
You too, sweet friend. 🙂
Fantastic list! I’m reminded to DO WHAT I DO this week for HIM and not everyone else.
It’s easy to get all wigged out when you feel like you’re the only one doing everything. I’m going to assign help and remind MYSELF that I’m not only serving my family–I’m serving HIM!!
Absolutely Wanda – Delegate, delegate and then remind ourselves of why we are doing this. 🙂
I am most thankful for my husband. My huband has prostate cancer and other health problems . I thought that I was goingot lose him as he was very ill, but by the grace of God and praying people he has become better. He still is very tired and has hard days but I am grateful that the Lord let him stay with me for a longer time. I am most grateful to a loving and merciful God who loves me as His kid and is always there for me.
God Bless and have a wonderful thanksgiving!
Grateful for the little gaget “a hot spot” that allows me to get on the internet as we travel today to have Thanksgiving with my mother in the nursing home. Left some dear friends we served over seas with this morning after two wonderful days of encouaging one another to be thankful for all that comes our way.
i am reading a book called “Life Lessons” written by two experts on dying. Everyone kind of laughs at me about the books I read but I am telling you this one makes you examine your life and ask your self, “am i living in the moment God is giving me?” The only way to do that is live with a thankful heart. A worried or fearful heart lives in the future. A regretful, guilty, wish I had done better heart lives in the past.
I am going to feed thankfulness and enjoy the moment which is right now, riding in our car with my wonderful husband..think I will submit and give him a word of praise.
A beautiful post centered on the real purpose of Thanksgiving!
That was so great! Thank you!
Thank you for this wonderful reminder. I think making food is a wonderful way to love people, but it is important to not get so wrapped up in the process that we forget to engage the loved ones we are making it for! Can’t wait for the yummy cooking to begin.
I am thankful for a loving and forgiving God.
I am thankful for being a live.
I am thankful for my husband.
I am thankful that God has blessed me with wonderful children.
I am thankful for friends and family.
I am thankful for my church..
I am thankful for my work
I am thankful a roof over My head..
I love you Jesús. I give all the thanks and Glory to Jesús Christ..
Terrific list – I really needed this, thank you so much for sharing!!
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