A decadent spread to lay, a mountain of dishes to clean, a
multitude of guests to entertain are all part of my family’s Thanksgiving
Feast. As past times have proven, I’ll start out spilling joy and excitement to
those around me and as the days go on and the load becomes heavy I’ll end the
season like the Grinch. One who wishes for someone else to do the cooking,
someone else to clean the dishes and someone else to provide the entertaining.
And that’s the beginning of the end.
Aggravation stirs in my
heart giving way to frustration which inevitably turns to blame of those
responsible for my sacrifice. If only they knew the cost of my sacrifice they would
not be so joyful in partaking of my gift. And so my heart becomes calloused and
rooted in bitterness and resentment toward those whom I’m to love.
And Satan wins.
But I’m reminded of the Lord’s sacrifice and how he gave His
son willingly. Jesus didn’t come kicking and screaming and being dragged to the
cross. He came with a willing heart. And although I can only imagine the cost of
the sacrifice, I partake in His gift. Daily. As a wife, a mother, a daughter, a
sister and a sinner. And yet He holds no grudge against me and blames me not.
So as I approach this holiday season I pray for the Lord to
make me like Jesus. One who closes my heart off to Satan and opens it to the
rest of the world. Giving my efforts willingly and lovingly to those who partake
of what I have to offer and holding no grudges or disdain toward anyone I am
commanded to love. And I pray for you my dear readers that YOU will have a
willing heart in all that you do this season so the Lord can shine
through YOU!!
