The One-of-a-Kindness of Thanksgiving

Are any two Thanksgivings alike?

Since every gathering is unique, with their own traditions and menus, wouldn't every Thanksgiving celebration also be one-of-a-kind?

The families are certainly unique! So, since each family is unique, each Thanksgiving is, too.

Different families equals different Thanksgivings . . . because it is, after all, a family affair. 

And the bigger the family, the more distinctive it is! 

One family gathering is strikingly different from the next because the individual people are all different from one another. A gathering might have a long-lost uncle seated next to Grandma Ruth. Aunt Sue and Uncle Jim, who've been married for 56 years, are at the same table with singles, or newly marrieds in their twenties, or a divorcee in her thirties. There might be an estranged cousin or two. There's the wealthy and the struggling, the highly educated with a dropout, a decorated war hero with someone who can't hold down a job. And don't even get started on religious or political beliefs! (Or football faves.) The more people, the more differences and dynamics there's likely to be.

But, they all gather together to celebrate, give thanks, and share a feast.

It kind of reminds me of Sunday mornings at church.

That family, too, is as diverse as it gets! Our assembly alone is made up of a whole beautiful menagerie of folks. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles.

Now imagine that on a global scale!

And the Lord joins us there. And smiles!

He did that! He made that possible. He is bringing together people from every demographic, ethnicity, and background experience. 

He is our unity! Our peace. He destroyed the barriers and classes.

And because He loves us - individually and collectively - we love one another. 

As you peruse the precious faces of those gathered around your Thanksgiving table, consider above annoyances, differences, and grievances that they are family. And give thanks! For there's no other gathering like it.