Thanksgiving Joy

When God uses us to do a great work for Him, He has a beginning and an end in mind.
The seeds of His plan will come to fruition and satisfy His people at the time of harvest.

The ingathering of fruit is a busy and exciting time where we see the outcome of the work God has wrought in us. However, when the mess is cleared and we look back, we may find ourselves wondering if we have fallen short of God’s goal for us. The planting, the nurturing, the blaze of glory we hoped to see may appear small in our eyes.

I often feel washed up after a good work for God. I miss Him and the nearness His fellowship brings. Where is that delicious motivating drive of the Spirit? Is God finished with me now? I found myself in just that spot several years ago after a long period of service to the Lord. When my time on that project ended, I felt bereaved for days.

When November rolled around, I joined a Women’s Bible Study, feeling completely out of touch. The room was filled with joyful women who talked about Thanksgiving and all they had planned for family and friends. I was emotionally drained and felt like a Thanksgiving Scrooge as I listened to their joyful conversation. I was looking for a way out. Why do I always have to be the one who cooks and does everything? While the ladies shared their hearts around the table, I thought about my husband, children, aging parents, and others who would have nowhere to go. No one would fault me for taking a break, but if God wanted me to open my home and create an atmosphere of Thanksgiving joy, how could I say no?

My deep dive after a long and fruitful season of serving the body of Christ would not end in a thankless non-celebration for the family I love and adore. My children, husband, and extended family would have their Thanksgiving favorites and would give God the glory for the harvest He provided.