What Can I Bring for Thanksgiving?

Something you used to see a lot of at Thanksgiving is a cornucopia. Maybe they’re outdated, but it was a horn-shaped weaved ‘basket’ filled with fall fruits, vegetables, gourds, and nuts. When we think about Thanksgiving, we might think of a warm apple pie steaming with a cinnamon aroma, or a homemade pumpkin pie, with some homemade whipped cream on top…I’m getting hungry already.

There are other fruits that are just as nutritious for us…the fruits of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23 it says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” During the hustle and bustle that now starts long before Thanksgiving, we forget to love our neighbor who may block our driveway, find joy while shopping in a very crowded grocery store, or keep the peace when someone cuts off in traffic. Let’s don’t even talk about self-control…it is 4 days til Thanksgiving!

Most of the ‘fruits’ are pretty self-explanatory, but what about longsuffering? What exactly does that mean? It comes from a Greek word that means long-tempered or patient. Contrary to what some may think, patience is not a sign of weakness, instead it is a character of strength, because it takes a lot of boldness to resist making a hasty decision or to bite your tongue when provoked.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many families will have unresolved issues, causing tension that can’t be cut with an electric, turkey-carving knife. I encourage you to be the one to show love, be joyful, and bring peace (along with the cranberry sauce and hot rolls) but most importantly, remember to be patient with your friends and relatives. After all, God is patient with you.

Happy Thanksgiving