I love Thanksgiving!

A blessed Thanksgiving holiday has successfully come to a close. After 32 pounds of turkey, dressing, sides and a plethora of desserts, we can definitely say that we "celebrated" Thanksgiving! We enjoyed the company of family and friends for the holiday and reflected on many areas for which we are thankful.

One of our family traditions is to share communion together. At the conclusion of our Thanksgiving feast, the glasses were passed with juice and bread was shared as we reflected on the life we are most thankful for...the life of Jesus. The first communion is recorded in the book of Luke, in the New Testament.

Luke 22: 14-20

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

As our family shared the element of communion together, we talked about the love of Jesus and how thankful we were for His blessings. It's a very special time in our family and a tradition that I personally cherish. I love the intimacy that communion brings. I always think of my sweet "Ma" when we share communion.

"Ma" is George's mother who went to heaven a couple of years ago. She loved Thanksgiving! I miss her and miss wearing our aprons together while cooking in her kitchen while she would teach me some of the Henderson recipes. Our last Thanksgiving together, I made sweet potatoes because she loved them so much. During her last weeks with us here on earth, she would enjoy having communion together with her family. It was precious to her. It became even more precious to me while sharing it with her and our family in those final days.

Communion is more than bread and juice. Communion is agreeing together that there is a common bond as believers in Christ as we reflect upon the life of Jesus who was given for us. As a family, communion is where we stop the busyness of everyday life and share hearts and love for one another.

One thing I've learned in recent years is that life truly is short. I've learned to eat on the china rather than saving it for a special occasion. I've learned to forgive more easily and love more intentionally. While not perfect, I have tried to say the words that matter, and keep silent in sharing words that hurt. I've also realized that having a heart of thanksgiving is the secret to a joy-filled life.

In this Thanksgiving season, I am thankful for you. I'm thankful for the life we share together. I am thankful for my amazing husband, beautiful children, loving parents and family. I am most thankful for Jesus and the ability to share communion with the ones I love in remembrance of His sacrifice.

I hope you've had a blessed holiday filled with much Thanksgiving!
Stephanie