Thanksgiving Day in America—and you know what that means?

For many, the ready answer is food, football, and family. Holiday tables will be jam-packed with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, pies and other delectable delights.

And, in millions of homes, apartments, and condos across the country, people will pause for the annual tradition where each person at the table says what they are thankful for this year.

Whether the answers are serious or silly, this time of sharing helps us to reflect, and to hear each other’s stories, if only briefly.

But for others, the holiday may be lonely. You don’t have a table at which to gather. Or, the family and friends you do spend time with make it difficult to be your true self.

No matter what your situation, here are three helpful ways to ENJOY, not just ENDURE the Thanksgiving holiday.

Let it go

For those who gather with others for the holiday, you may find times of tension from unresolved conflicts in the past or disagreements about major life issues. That is understandable. Most families don’t agree about everything.

So you can set boundaries and plan ahead—before you walk in the door—how you will handle conflict if it arises at your gathering. Your feelings are valid, to be sure. And you can decide not to engage, or not to talk about a certain subject—at least for one day.

Sometimes you just need to walk away. Excuse yourself, and go in the restroom to take a few deep breaths and to pray for strength.

Be grateful

On Thanksgiving Day, we gather to eat, pray and give thanks. We remember God’s merciful provision to the first American settlers hundreds of years ago, and reflect on his goodness to us today.

So, what you are thankful for?

Really good friends?
A loving family?
A steady paycheck?
Living in freedom and peace?
Eyesight?
Gravity?

Make sure to take some time and thank God for all he has done for you.

As for me?

I am grateful for new beginnings. Thankful, that when I was a teenager reaching up to God, He was already there, reaching out to me. Teaching me, over the years about grace, forgiveness, freedom, and peace.

I am thankful that when I pray, God listens and acts. He moves heaven and earth to accomplish His good purposes. And I get to be an integral part of His story.

I am grateful that God meets my needs—and the needs of those I love. It may not always be the answer I want or happen in my timeframe. But God, in His divine wisdom and sovereignty, knows best. And I choose to trust Him.

I am grateful that God is my strength. That His mighty power is at work in me to make real and lasting changes—changes I never could have made in my own human strength.

And yes, I am grateful for wonderful friends and family members. Because connection and relationships give life meaning and purpose—and fun!

Thankfulness, my friend, leads to contentment and JOY!

And so, on this celebration of Thanksgiving, my grateful heart cries out to the One who loves us most:

“For all You are, and all that You have done for me, Lord—thank you!”

Happy Thanksgiving!

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