What if Thanksgiving were more than thankfulness?
There is a time for risky love. There is a time for extravagant gestures. There is a time to pour out your affections on one you love. And when the time comes - seize it, don't miss it. Max Lucado
Don't look now, but next week is a time for some extravagant gestures.
As you think through your Thanksgiving plans (hopefully you have at least thought about your plans), imagine all of the things that can go wrong.
Consider these things...
the girl next to you on the plane busting out a tuna fish sandwich mid-flight (no guy would do that!)your crazy relative who insults you, yet againmissing out on pumpkin pie while your cousin had two slicesthe disapproving looks rude comments lumpy gravy
There are a thousand things which could go wrong next week, but you have the opportunity to love your friends, family, and even strangers anyway.
YOU have the opportunity to extend grace and forgiveness regardless of what other people around you do.
I don't know about you, but I have an easier time extending people grace when I'm feeling thankful. THANKful. As in THANKSgiving.
Ahem... the season of Thanksgiving should be synonymous with the season of grace. If it's not, we are clearly missing something.
Still, grace is extravagant. Grace is not a natural reflex, but something you have to practice.
Consider where you're most likely to be frustrated during this holiday (HINT: it's where you have the greatest expectations) and then decide, in advance, to let go of your demands.
Release the need to be heard and understood. Decide to love those around you without condition.
Practice acting loving even when you don't necessarily FEEL loving.
You can't control how your crazy family will act, but you can control how you respond.
Be kind. Be loving. Pour out your affections and be extravagant.