The holidays are filled with a mixture of joy and stress. Society tries to dictate what types of presents to buy and meals to prepare. We are inundated with television and newspaper ads telling us that we need to provide “the best” gifts and food to our loved ones so that they will know just how much we care.
Gone is the simplicity. We live in a technologial society in which we ooh and awe over the latest gadgets that are promised to provide us with a faster, more efficient way to get what we need and want. Although these gadgets make our life easier and allow us to become more independent, in the process, we may give up a little of our dependence on each other, and most importantly on God.
Many of us may have mixed feelings about the Duggar family, featured on the TLC television show, 18 Kids and Counting, but one thing I feel that we can all agree upon is the family unity and caring that is clearly demonstrated in each episode. I haven’t watched many episodes of this program, but from the ones I have viewed, much to my amazement, the family unit seems very much intact and functional. Like families of generations past, this family isn’t afraid to be frugal, creative and work together to create meaningful holiday celebrations.
Instead of making certain that everything is perfect, their focus is on Jesus. They strive to live according to God’s word, as they carry out their day to day activities. Planning a holiday meal isn’t really diferent from any other meal, because they are used to cooking for 21 people on a daily basis.
When I watch the show, what I see is a healthy dependence on God and each other with the focus on achieving designated goals that will benefit both the family unit, and, often, others as well. Yet, I also see that each child in this family is being presented with the knowledge and tools needed to becone a self-actualized person. The oldest child, who is now married and has a family of his own, I feel, is a testament to good Christian parenting. He and his wife are self-supporting, compassionate, God centered parents.
Each of us, too, strives to achieve and maintain that balance of dependence and independence in our relationships with people in our life. Accomplishing this balance can be so much easier when our focus is on God. When we come to Him in prayer and in thanksgiving, He reaches out His hand to direct us. However, when we are out of sync, our relationships, outlook on what is important in life, and the way we lead our lives becomes unbalanced.
It’s important this holiday season to not lose sight of what is most precious. As educators and parents, we need to show children, by example, that our first prioirty is a healthy dependence on God. Parents can model this by reading the daily devotional each morning. Whenever possible, discuss these devotionals during meals shared or other opportunites that present themselves throughout the day.
Try to heal splintered relationships with loved ones. This doesn’t necessarily mean giving up boundaries. If you are caught between having to decide where to spend Thanksgiving because your have been inviited to two different family celebrations, spend some time praying. Let the Holy Spirit guide your decision. If some members of the family don’t understand your decision, just let go and let God. By depending upon God to help you
throughout the holiday season, you will feel a sense of peace in your heart.
Some Special Thanksgiving Lesson Planning
I hope that the following links will be a true blessing to you:
Read Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie by Sara L. Ambarian for some invaluable insight.
To locate some good thanksgiving scriptural references point your browser to Topical References
Finally, visit Audrey’s Thanksgiving Page - Resources for Christian Teachers)
This site is absolutely awesome!!
May God richly bless you and your family throughout the holiday season!!
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