Thanksgiving
December 1, 2019— Laura House
The last few weeks have been difficult. Grief is funny like that. Like a lion stealthily hunting its prey, you never know when it’s going to sneak up and grip you again.
Nathan loved Thanksgiving. It was his favorite holiday. He loved to eat.
We gathered with extended family and the cousins made movies, played board games, and spent hours talking and laughing. We ate more than we should have— turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, spinach salad, rolls, Watergate salad, and assorted pies. (Just typing these words makes me recognize the disproportionately high level of carbs!)
But this morning, I woke up and realized, like almost every morning, that you weren’t here. The empty feeling returned— sadness, and a longing to see you walk through the door and to give you a big hug— to hear you laugh with your siblings and cousins and talk with grandparents, uncles, and aunts.
I let my mind unearth memories of previous Thanksgivings and tears flowed. But in the midst of my grief, I became keenly aware of the beautiful gift of Nathan’s life, given to us for twenty-five years. I thought of him enjoying the meal, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh, and always, his gratitude. In fact, after nearly every meal I ever made throughout his entire life, he said “thank you” and commented that it was “great,” then took his plate to the sink. How I miss that. Thank you, Lord, for the precious memories.
I wonder what he’s doing now? The Bible really doesn’t give many details about Heaven, but if there is feasting, it will far surpass anything we could begin to prepare down here.
If you are remembering a loved one today or in the midst of another trial, I hope you’ll know anew God’s unconditional love for you. He cares about the details of your situation and is faithful to be with you through it, to guide you and comfort you. I love the words of David written in the Psalms, as he pours out his heart, and oftentimes his fear and grief. In the familiar Psalm below, the recognition of the faithfulness of God is displayed. Indeed, we are held by the Creator of all.
Psalm 23
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. –You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
