Pastor's Heart
"Thanksgiving Buffet Of Fellowship"
I love Thanksgiving Dinner with the turkey,
the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the sweet
potatoes, the casseroles, homemade noodles,
and the desserts. Notice the plural on desserts. I have
discovered you might as well hang up even thinking about
dieting during this time of the year. But more than
the dinner, I love the fellowship. The time spent
with family and friends sharing thoughts, concerns, and laughter are the most precious memories in life. You seem to lose all inhibitions with your belly full and your friends and family in the same situation. There is a sense of "you can eat that because it’s the holidays" mentality that makes the season so warm and intimate. It truly is a blessing to slow down your fast paced life and put it all on pause to reflect on the truly important things.
In the same way that the fellowship is so sweet during the Thanksgiving holidays, it is important to remember the fellowship in the Church. I am convinced that the fellowship of the church is strengthened by our commitment to be thankful for everything and everyone in our lives. When we are thankful and grateful we are less "irritable and grumpy." We are a joy to be around and we like being around others. Paul reminds us that we are not to forsake the gathering of ourselves with one another. God commands us to strengthen the fellowship of believers. So here is a short list of what is on the "Thanksgiving Buffet of Fellowship." A slowly roasted Love for God, people and yourself is the entrée with side orders of Joy, Hope, and Peace. A tall glass of vintage spiritual devotion compliments the meal, and a slice of sweet salvation to finish off the course of life.
My prayer for you is that you will truly be thankful this holiday season. Try listing the many things and people in which you are thankful. Prepare for yourself the "Thanksgiving Buffet of Fellowship" in your life, and always remember that I love you and I am here for you.
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